It is "most unlikely" Sussex can stay a separate force, Mr Jones said

It is in response to an official report last month which recommended sweeping changes and mergers among the existing 43 forces in England and Wales.

Mr Jones told Sussex Police Authority it was "most unlikely" the county would be able to retain a separate force.

A shortlist of options will go to Home Secretary Charles Clarke this month.

'Unique opportunity'

Mr Clarke asked all police chiefs to draw up proposals in response to the Inspectorate of Constabulary report which said the 43-force structure was "no longer fit for purpose".

Mr Jones's response said the review of force structures provided a "unique opportunity" to take a long-term view of policing.

It would enable a structure to be designed for Sussex and the South East which would be fit for the next 20 to 30 years.

His five "credible options" all involve the creation of a new strategic force by combining neighbouring police forces.

'Intent on change'

The first would link Sussex with all four other forces in the South East - Surrey, Kent, Hampshire and Thames Valley.

Three more propose combinations of Sussex and Surrey with Kent or Hampshire or both.

The fifth would combine Surrey and Sussex alone.

"It is clear that the government is intent on change and it is most unlikely that a case mounted by Sussex for continuing as a separate force would be successful," said Mr Jones.

His report said meetings were already taking place between forces in the region.

Consultations with staff associations, local authorities and criminal justice organisations in Sussex were also under way.

Mr Jones said Sussex Police Authority needed to emphasise to the government that mergers may take some years to achieve.