London, 25 January 2026 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) - Counter-terror, fraud and criminal gang investigations are set to be taken over by a new national police force dubbed the "British FBI" under major policing reforms.

The National Police Service (NPS) will be created to crack down on serious and complex crimes, bringing the work of existing agencies such as the National Crime Agency (NCA) and regional organised crime units under the same organisation.

Counter Terror Policing (CTP) led by the Metropolitan Police, the National Police Air Service run by West Yorkshire Police and the National Roads Policing will all be merged into the new NPS.

It is hoped to lift the burden on local police forces, who are believed to be diverting time and resources away from everyday policing against shoplifting and antisocial behaviour to deal with national policing issues.

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the move as she is set to reveal reforms for policing in a White Paper on Monday.

"The current policing model was built for a different century," she said.

"Some local forces lack the skills or resources they need to fight complex modern crime such as fraud, online child abuse or organised criminal gangs.

"We will create a new National Police Service – dubbed "the British FBI" – deploying world-class talent and state-of-the-art technology to track down and catch dangerous criminals.

"In doing so, local forces will be able to spend more time fighting crime in their communities."

The NPS will be headed up by a National Police Commissioner who will become the most senior police chief in the country.

Once up and running, it will set standards and training for policing – and buy new technology such as facial recognition on behalf of all police forces.

The service would share technology, intelligence and resources across borders and be created in stages working alongside the NCA, CTP and regional organised crime units for the transition.

It will cover England and Wales but will be able to operate in the wider UK, a Home Office spokesperson said.

Photo: dpa