Home Secretary Charles Clarke has asked senior officers for proposals on the creation of larger forces.

The Cumbria force has 1,260 officers, but a report said new strategic forces of at least 4,000 should be set up.

It has said it will ensure Cumbria is an equal partner in any proposal and it would not be taken over.

Staff interests

The force's review team found three options which meet the required criteria - Cumbria and Lancashire; Cumbria, Lancashire, Cheshire and Merseyside; and Cumbria Lancashire and Merseyside.

An executive panel has identified the preferred option as Cumbria, Lancashire and Merseyside.

Deputy Chief Constable Christine Twigg said: "It is far too early to identify any future structures.

"However, the interests of our own staff, both police officers and police staff, are paramount in the coming debate."

She said this would be done by ensuring Cumbria was an equal partner, ensuring all staff have an equal opportunity to apply for jobs in the new structures and putting in place mechanisms to support staff.