United Kingdom Launches British FBI To Fight Modern Crime

The United Kingdom is setting the stage for a major transformation in its approach to law enforcement, unveiling plans for a new national police service that has already been dubbed the "British FBI." The announcement, made on January 25, 2026, signals the government’s intent to modernize the fight against serious crime, terrorism, and organized criminal networks across the country. According to Reuters, as reported by FREEДOM, the move marks one of the most ambitious reforms to British policing in decades.

The new service, formally titled the National Police Service, aims to unify and enhance the functions of several existing agencies. It will integrate the work of the National Crime Agency, bring together counter-terrorism efforts, and assume responsibility for national road policing. The government’s vision is to create a highly specialized, technologically advanced force capable of tackling the evolving threats facing the UK in the 21st century.

Leading the charge will be the national commissioner for crime control, a newly created position that will become the highest-ranking law enforcement official in the country. This central figure will oversee the agency’s operations and ensure seamless coordination with regional police forces throughout England and Wales. The Home Office, which confirmed the creation of the British FBI, emphasized that the service will not replace local police but will work alongside them, providing expertise and resources to address complex, high-level crimes.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the architect of the reform, was unequivocal about the need for change. "The current policing model was designed for the last century. We will create a new National Police Service, which will be called the 'British FBI.' We will employ highly skilled specialists and the most modern technologies to find and catch dangerous criminals," Mahmood stated, as quoted by FREEДOM. Her remarks highlight the government’s determination to move beyond outdated structures and equip law enforcement with the tools needed to stay ahead of sophisticated criminal enterprises.

The British FBI will be modeled after the American FBI, a well-known agency that traces its roots to 1829, when Robert Peel established the first professional police force in London. The UK’s new agency, however, is designed with the challenges of the modern era in mind. It will feature special units dedicated to counter-terrorism, cybercrime, and organized crime, as well as its own cutting-edge forensic technologies. These capabilities are expected to significantly improve the detection and prosecution of complex crimes that often transcend regional boundaries and require national coordination.

According to the Home Office, the creation of the British FBI is a direct response to the rising complexity of criminal activity in the UK. The proliferation of digital crime, the persistent threat of terrorism, and the growth of transnational criminal organizations have all placed unprecedented demands on traditional police forces. By centralizing expertise and resources, the government hopes to create a more agile and effective law enforcement system.

The reforms come at a time of broader reflection on Britain’s place in the world. Since officially leaving the European Union on January 31, 2020, the UK has faced new security challenges and opportunities. The country’s exit from EU security frameworks has prompted a reassessment of how best to protect its citizens and interests. The launch of the British FBI is seen by some experts as a proactive step to ensure the UK remains resilient in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics.

In practical terms, the British FBI will operate as a national agency with the authority to investigate and disrupt serious crimes wherever they occur in the country. Its remit will include counter-terrorism operations, organized crime investigations, and the management of national road policing. The agency will also develop and deploy advanced forensic technologies, enhancing its ability to collect, analyze, and interpret evidence in complex cases.

One of the key innovations of the new service will be its emphasis on specialized personnel. The government plans to recruit experts in digital forensics, intelligence analysis, and other high-demand fields. These specialists will work closely with local police forces, providing support on cases that require advanced skills or cross-jurisdictional cooperation. The aim is to create a seamless network of law enforcement professionals capable of responding rapidly to emerging threats.

The announcement has been met with a mix of anticipation and cautious optimism within the law enforcement community. Many senior officers have long advocated for greater national coordination in the fight against serious crime. At the same time, some have expressed concerns about maintaining the balance between centralized authority and local autonomy. The government has sought to address these concerns by emphasizing that the British FBI will complement, rather than replace, existing police services.

Public reaction has also been varied. Some citizens welcome the promise of a more robust response to crime and terrorism, particularly in light of recent high-profile incidents. Others worry about the potential for overreach or the erosion of local accountability. The Home Office has pledged to maintain transparency and public oversight as the new agency takes shape.

International observers are watching the development closely. The United States, whose FBI has served as a model for law enforcement agencies around the world, has offered technical advice and support. European partners, meanwhile, are interested in how the British FBI will interact with their own security and policing networks, especially given the UK’s post-Brexit status.

The creation of the British FBI also comes amid broader government efforts to update the country’s security infrastructure. Recent initiatives have included plans to use oil seized from Russian "shadow fleet" vessels to finance military support for Ukraine, as reported by FREEДOM. These measures reflect a willingness to take bold, sometimes unconventional steps to protect national interests and uphold international norms.

As the new agency prepares to launch, questions remain about its long-term impact. Will the British FBI succeed in closing the gap between local policing and national security? Can it adapt quickly enough to keep pace with the ever-changing tactics of criminals and terrorists? Only time will tell. What is clear, however, is that the UK is embarking on a significant experiment in law enforcement—one that could reshape the country’s approach to crime and security for years to come.

The government’s commitment to modernizing policing, investing in technology, and recruiting top-tier talent sets a high bar for success. If the British FBI delivers on its promises, it could become a model for other countries grappling with similar challenges. For now, all eyes are on Westminster as the nation prepares to usher in a new era of crime fighting—one built on innovation, collaboration, and a determination to protect the public from the threats of tomorrow.