Merseyside Police has launched its most significant restructure in ten years, moving to a new local command structure on 29 March 2026 to better serve communities including Bootle.
The changes mean Bootle now falls under a new Sefton and Wirral policing area. This shift is designed to make the force more responsive to local issues by moving away from a single functional model to four geographically-led command units. Each unit is managed by a Chief Superintendent who is directly accountable for all policing activity in their respective area, including neighbourhood policing, response, investigations, problem-solving, and prevention.
To support this move, Merseyside Police is increasing frontline resources. The new structure includes 80 additional officers dedicated to response policing and 60 extra officers for neighbourhood teams. The force is also retaining 200 community support officers. These changes follow a review commissioned by Chief Constable Rob Carden, as the previous system was deemed no longer equipped to handle modern challenges like rising crime complexity, increased digital evidence and increased demand on frontline services.
According to Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, the restructure will make policing more visible, more responsive and more focused on the needs of local people. Chief Superintendent Karl Baldwin, who leads the new Sefton and Wirral unit, noted that the change allows for better coordination of teams and ensures efforts are directed toward local priorities. As part of the wider regional plan, new town centre policing teams are also being established in St Helens, Birkenhead, and Southport.
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