Guardian calls for "devolution on the beat"

The Guardian comments that

Controversial decisions about the future of policing are looming. The public want bobbies on the beat, and lots of them, and as local as possible. Terrorism and organised crime mean national, hi-tech policing like the new Serious Organised Crime Agency. Plans for merger are intended to help deal with the crimes in between, the murders and major frauds, that tax the smaller services' manpower. But it is not clear they can do that without destroying the tradition of local policing that remains so strong. Mr Reid might get more time in the sun this summer if he opted for a real devolution of power. Organic change that allowed local and national priorities to work out the best reforms may provide the most workable solution. Just give them that most scarce of political commodities - time.