Bonkers.

That's what the Kent union for police officers has called the government's suggestion to merge forces.

The Home Affairs Committee, in a report released today, says forces may have to join up in order to keep police numbers up.

"Big is not always better," says Ian Pointon, chairman of The Kent Police Federation.

"I think the link between the two via the Dartford crossing would make it impossible to manage. I think it would be detrimental to the people of Kent and Essex."

Mr Pointon thinks it very unlikely for police in Kent and Essex to join up.

"There would have to be some kind of mental gymnastics.

"The current chief constable of Kent, at the time this last was discussed, was dead against the merge, and of course the deputy chief at the time was Mr Barker Mccardell who is now the chief constable of Essex."