Merseyside Police is the territorial police force responsible for policing the metropolitan county of Merseyside in North West England, serving a population of approximately 1.5 million people. As of January 2026, the force is led by Chief Constable Rob Carden, who assumed the role in late 2025 and was recently awarded the King’s Police Medal (KPM) for his services to law enforcement. Operating from its state-of-the-art headquarters at Rose Hill in Liverpool, the force oversees five local policing strands: Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, and St Helens. In 2026, Merseyside Police continued to prioritize community-first policing through its “Winter of Action” initiative and expanded “Hotspot Patrols,” which target serious violence and anti-social behavior with the support of over £2.3 million in dedicated home office funding.
Leadership and Command Structure
The leadership of Merseyside Police in 2026 is defined by a “One Team” philosophy, focusing on transparency and high-performance standards.
Chief Constable Rob Carden
Chief Constable Rob Carden took command in September 2025, bringing over 30 years of experience, much of it gained within Merseyside. His tenure has already seen a focus on “performance culture,” aimed at increasing crime outcome rates and building public confidence through visible leadership. In the 2026 New Year’s Honours, he was recognized with the King’s Police Medal, highlighting his role in managing national security events and high-threat policing operations.
The Chief Officer Team
The force is supported by a robust command team, including Deputy Chief Constable Paul White and several Assistant Chief Constables overseeing specific portfolios like Crime, Operations, and Local Policing. This team works in close partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Emily Spurrell, who sets the strategic budget and the regional Police and Crime Plan. Together, they ensure that the force’s 4,000+ officers and staff are equipped to meet the evolving challenges of modern urban policing.
Rose Hill: The Modern Headquarters
The force’s operational heart is Rose Hill, a flagship headquarters that represents a major shift toward sustainable and flexible policing.
A Flagship Facility
Located on Cazneau Street in Liverpool, the £48 million Rose Hill headquarters opened in late 2021 and serves as the primary base for over 1,100 officers and staff. The four-storey building was designed to be energy-efficient, featuring 260 solar panels and LED lighting to minimize environmental impact. By 2026, the facility has fully realized its goal of saving the force approximately £250,000 per year in running costs compared to older, fragmented offices.
Integrated Policing Hub
Rose Hill is not just an office; it is a highly functional site equipped with an external gym, running track, and modern command rooms. This centralized location allows for better collaboration between departments such as the Professional Standards Department and the Serious and Organised Crime units. Its position near the Queensway Tunnel makes it a strategic gateway for rapid deployment across the entire Merseyside region.
2026 Operational Priorities: Winter of Action
Merseyside Police has launched a comprehensive “Winter of Action” strategy to maintain momentum in crime reduction throughout 2026.
Tackling High-Harm Crimes
The current strategy intensifies the focus on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), knife crime, and robbery. Through initiatives like “Operation Limit,” officers are conducting increased road-side testing for drink and drug driving, while armed deployments remain a visible presence at major events and transport hubs. These seasonal pushes are data-led, ensuring resources are moved to where they are needed most during peak times.
Hotspot Policing Initiatives
In 2025 and 2026, the force secured £2.39 million to continue its “Hotspot Policing” model. This funding supports over 21,000 hours of additional patrols in 29 specific areas identified as being most impacted by serious violence and anti-social behavior (ASB). These patrols have proven highly effective, with some areas reporting up to an 87% reduction in serious violent crime over a three-year evaluation period.
Practical Information and Services
Merseyside Police provides various ways for the public to engage with their services, report crimes, and seek support.
- Emergency Calls: Always dial 999 for life-threatening situations or crimes in progress.
- Non-Emergencies: Dial 101 or report online via the official Merseyside Police website for incidents that do not require an immediate response.
- Headquarters Address: Rose Hill, 15 Cazneau Street, Liverpool, L3 3AN.
- Victim Support: The Victim Care Merseyside hub offers free, confidential advice; they can be reached at 0808 175 3080.
- Community Grants: The “Community Cashback Fund” allows local groups to apply for up to £5,000 to support crime prevention projects.
Specialized Units: From Firearms to Cyber Crime
The “One Team” philosophy is best demonstrated through Merseyside’s elite specialized departments, which handle everything from organized crime to the digital frontier.
The Matrix: Specialist Operations
The Matrix unit remains the force’s primary tool for tackling serious and organized crime. In 2026, this unit expanded its capabilities to include high-visibility “disruption” teams that utilize advanced data analytics to predict where gang activity is likely to flare up. The department encompasses firearms officers, undercover units, and the Matrix Dog Section, which recently added specialized “digital recovery” dogs trained to sniff out hidden SIM cards and hard drives during raids.
Cyber Dependent Crime Unit (CDCU)
By 2026, cyber crime has become a central focus for the force. The Cyber Dependent Crime Unit operates under the “4 Ps” framework: Prepare, Protect, Prevent, and Pursue. In late 2025, the unit launched Police CyberAlarm, a free tool for local businesses that monitors traffic for malicious activity. This proactive approach has been instrumental in protecting Merseyside’s growing digital economy and supporting victims of complex ransomware attacks.
Marine and Underwater Search Unit
Given its extensive coastline and the River Mersey, the Marine Unit is a vital asset. In 2026, the unit utilizes state-of-the-art sonar technology and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to conduct underwater searches and secure the port of Liverpool. They work closely with Border Force to prevent the smuggling of illicit goods, ensuring that the region’s waterways remain a hostile environment for international organized crime.
Joining the Force: 2026 Career Paths
Recruitment in 2026 has become more inclusive and varied, offering multiple entry routes for individuals from all educational and professional backgrounds.
Police Constable Entry Routes
Merseyside Police currently offers three main pathways to becoming a sworn officer:
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA): A three-year program where recruits “earn while they learn,” finishing with a fully funded degree in Professional Policing Practice.
Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP): A two-year work-based program for those who already hold a degree in any subject, leading to a graduate diploma.
Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP): A two-year route that focuses on operational skills without the requirement of working toward a new degree, suitable for those with relevant life or military experience.
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs)
In 2026, the role of the PCSO was reinforced as the “bridge” between the police and the public. A new apprenticeship intake for PCSOs is scheduled for April 2026, focusing on neighborhood problem-solving and protecting vulnerable people. This role is ideal for individuals who want to make a difference in their community without the full powers of arrest held by regular constables.
Volunteer and Youth Opportunities
Merseyside Police heavily invests in its “Extended Police Family” through various volunteer and youth engagement programs.
Special Constabulary
Special Constables are volunteer police officers who hold the same powers and wear the same uniform as regular officers. In 2026, the force asks for a minimum commitment of 16 hours per month. Training for new “Specials” now includes specialized modules in roads policing and airport security, allowing volunteers to support high-demand units across the county.
Volunteer Police Cadets
The Police Cadet Scheme is a one-year development program for young people aged 16 to 18. Based at the Rose Hill HQ, the 2025/26 cohort participates in weekly sessions learning about forensics, dog handling, and firearms safety. The scheme is designed to build confidence and leadership skills, regardless of whether the cadet eventually pursues a career in the police.
FAQs
What is the Matrix unit in Merseyside Police?
It is the specialist operations department responsible for tackling serious organized crime, including firearms and gang-related activity.
Can I join the police without a degree in 2026?
Yes, the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) and the PCDA apprenticeship allow you to join without an existing degree.
What are the 4 Ps of the Cyber Crime Unit?
They are Prepare, Protect, Prevent, and Pursue, a framework used to combat digital threats.
How many hours do Special Constables have to volunteer?
In 2026, the requirement is a minimum of 16 hours per month.
Where is the police training academy?
Primary training takes place at the Mather Avenue Training Academy in Liverpool.
Does Merseyside Police have a mounted section?
. Yes, the force maintains a Mounted Section used for crowd control at football matches and high-visibility patrols.
What is the “One Team” approach?
It is the force’s philosophy of integrated working between officers, staff, and volunteers to achieve common safety goals.
Are there age limits for joining as a cadet?
Yes, the Cadet Scheme is specifically for young people aged 16 to 18.
How does the force use ROVs?
The Marine Unit uses Remotely Operated Vehicles for underwater searches and hull inspections in the Liverpool docks.
What is the starting salary for a new PC in 2026?
Recruits on the PCDA route typically start at approximately £31,164 per annum.
Who is the Chief Constable of Merseyside Police in 2026?
The force is led by Chief Constable Rob Carden, who was appointed in September 2025.
Where is the Merseyside Police headquarters located?
The headquarters is at Rose Hill, located on Cazneau Street in Liverpool (L3 3AN).
How do I report a non-emergency crime in Merseyside?
You can report non-emergencies by calling 101 or using the online reporting tool on the Merseyside Police website.
What is the “Winter of Action” initiative?
It is a major policing push running through early 2026 to tackle seasonal crime, retail theft, and violence in town centres.
Can I apply to be a PCSO in 2026?
Yes, the force is launching a new PCSO Apprenticeship intake starting in April 2026.
What is the Merseyside Police Community Cashback Fund?
It is a scheme that uses Proceeds of Crime Act assets to fund local community projects aimed at crime prevention.
How many local policing areas are in Merseyside?
There are five: Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, and St Helens.
What is Operation Limit?
It is a force-wide operation focused on tackling drink and drug driving on Merseyside’s roads.
How does the force handle complaints?
Complaints against officers are handled by the Professional Standards Department based at Rose Hill.
Does Merseyside Police use Facial Recognition Technology?
Yes, the force utilizes Facial Recognition Technology as part of its modern toolkit to identify wanted individuals and protect the public.
Who is the current Police and Crime Commissioner?
The current PCC is Emily Spurrell, who oversees the force’s budget and strategic direction.
To read more , click here