DORSET'S top police officer has spoken out to reassure the public over plans to merge small forces across England and Wales.

Martin Baker said he will ensure local policing does not suffer and stressed the public will be consulted through every stage of the proposed reorganisation.

"There are enormous implications around the restructuring of police forces and inevitably employees within Dorset Police and residents of Dorset are entitled to feel concerned about the future," he said.

"I am very proud of Dorset Police and the considerable achievements we have attained and you can be assured that I am not prepared to let our standards drop at this important time."

The Home Office is considering creating larger police force areas in a bid to tackle terrorism, major incidents, serious and organised crime.

Dorset Police are currently in talks with Avon & Somerset, Devon & Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire police forces to identify potential options for restructuring.

By December the force must submit a report to the Home Secretary setting out each of the options identified.

Mr Baker said it is not clear when a final decision will be made but the Home Office has indicated changes will be made in April 2008.

He added: "It is very important to me that despite this situation, Dorset Police continues with business as usual and forges on to ensure that our performance and service is not adversely affected and, wherever possible, improves."

He said public consultation is currently underway to gauge public opinion.