The region's police forces are facing their biggest shake-up for years. Stuart Arnold looks at the key questions about the planned reforms.

Q Why is the restructuring taking place?

A Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced a review of the 43 police force structure in England and Wales as it is seen as inadequate for the challenges facing the service. A report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, called Closing the Gap, stated that some forces were potentially too small to deal with serious crime and major incidents, such as terrorist attacks.

Q What happens next?

A Police chiefs have been asked to come up with plans to create strategic forces by consulting neighbouring forces, police authorities and other bodies, such as community safety partnerships, local councils and the public. The aim is to formulate options for restructuring by the end of the month, before final proposals are submitted to the Home Office by December 23.

Q What are the options being looked at in our region?

A Paul Garvin, chief constable of Durham Police, wants a North-East-wide force covering Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria, believing this to provide the best operational and professional structure. In Cleveland, the police authority is considering a number of options but favours a "city region" approach dividing County Durham in two. Cleveland would merge with the South Durham policing areas of Darlington, Sedgefield, Wear Valley and Teesdale to create a Tees Valley force. North Durham would join with Northumbria to create a Tyne and Wear force. The Northumbria police has yet to make its views known, but it is thought to mirror Durham's stance. North Yorkshire has yet to reveal its preference. However, Chief Constable Della Cannings is rumoured to favour a merger with Humberside, possibly also taking in the southern part of Cleveland.

Q Who is most likely to be affected by the shake-up?

A There is no suggestion of any reduction in regular officer numbers. Some chief constables have said the changes would free additional resources for neighbourhood policing and other initiatives. The restructuring is likely to affect police support staff, although it is not yet known to what extent. There will be economies of scale from merging the functions of one or more forces. The number of the most senior ranks and roles are likely to be reduced.

Q What are the numbers involved?

A Forces of at least 4,000 officers are the benchmark in the criteria set down by the Home Office since these are said to perform best. At present, only Northumbria meets that criteria, with 4,088 officers, while Cleveland (1,772), Durham (1,700) and North Yorkshire (1,556) are among 19 forces who have fewer than 2,000 officers available for duty. In terms of civilian staff there are 1,645 in Northumbria, 911 in Cleveland and 600 in Durham.

Q Could the changes mean I have to pay an increased council tax precept?

A There will be savings from a slimmed-down structure since there will be less duplication of functions. Savings will also result from a larger organisation having increased procurement abilities - they can secure goods and services more cheaply. However, there could be substantial costs involved in any re-branding that takes place as a result of new forces being created, with possible changes to livery and so on. Should there be any redundancies, money will also have to be found for financial settlements with staff. It is understood that despite prompting such a major shake up, the Government has not provided extra funding.

Q When could a new set-up be in place?

AFormer Surrey Chief Constable Denis O'Connor, who prepared the HMIC report, has said he hopes all the reforms will be completed within 18 months. Durham Police has said its preferred implementation date for any new amalgamated force is April 2007.