Deputy Chief Constable of Warwickshire Keith Bristow will oversee the bid to merge his force with West Midlands, West Mercia, and Staffordshire.

The Home Secretary may cut the number of forces in England and Wales from 43 to as few as 12.

Staffordshire's Chief Constable will lead a national restructuring group.

Strongest option

John Giffard will negotiate with police authorities about future options.

His duties in Staffordshire will be performed by his deputy David Swift during November and December.

West Midlands, Warwickshire, West Mercia, and Staffordshire forces have submitted their responses to the plans.

All four have included merging into a strategic regional body as one of their options.

Organised crime

West Midlands, West Mercia and Staffordshire also include staying as they are as one their options.

The reorganisation of the UK's policing is in response to the increased threat from serious and organised crime, terrorism and extremism.

The government will give feedback to the various forces in November.

A strategic regional force would operate with more than 13,000 police officers and about 21,000 staff.

Public meetings

West Mercia Police said it was still to agree on a single preferred option and is also considering the possibility of merging with Staffordshire and Gloucestershire.

Warwickshire Police said early consultation suggested the most desirable option was to join with the whole region - it will be holding public meetings.

Staffordshire Police Authority revealed its plans last month and said the option to stay as it is was viewed as a serious option for consideration.

They have also submitted plans for the amalgamation of Staffordshire Police and West Mercia Police.

Final detailed proposals will be submitted to the Home Office by 23 December.