Northamptonshire's Chief Constable says he is accepting as inevitable the fact that his force will eventually merge. Home Secretary Charles Clarke said he expects smaller forces to merge into units of not less than 4,000 officers.
The move could see the force - which has just 1,355 officers - merge with those of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
"Whatever happens, we are determined that local policing will be preserved," Peter Maddison said.
'I am frustrated'
Mr Maddison has already planned a meeting with his counterpart in Leicestershire to discuss a link-up.
 |  This decision will impact many people, both inside and outside of the organisation  |
He was told to bring forward a business case for possible mergers by the end of the year.
"While accepting the need to position policing for the coming decades and to provide a service which is able to protect the community by responding to the threats of cross-border organised crime and terrorism, I am frustrated that Northamptonshire Police is put in this position, Mr Maddsion said.
"We are a force with a strong reputation both locally and nationally.
"We work hard to deliver an effective service to the community and whatever happens, we are determined that local policing will be preserved.
"This decision will impact many people, both inside and outside of the organisation," he added.
Mr Clarke has indicated that mergers should be within existing police regions, although he has said special cases for mergers outside of existing regions would be considered.
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