It is incumbent on me to ensure that those who will make the final decisions in relation to the pension changes understand the crippling impact these changes will have on policing".

Each syndicate works with other Matrix units to provide the force with a level two response to gun crime, faction-based criminality and cash-in-transit robberies.

It is an integral part of the Operational Support Unit, and is based at Greenhill Road, Allerton, Liverpool.

[citation needed] The section provides neighbourhoods with an alternative response to reduce the incidents of crime and disorder, using an intelligence-led approach, a tactical option in relation to public order & major incidents, as well as high visibility patrolling at football matches, rugby matches, race meetings and other special events.

Each area within the force has its own allocation of dogs and handlers who work alongside the neighbourhood patrol section.

There are currently 70 general-purpose dogs in the force area, 16 of these have extended training for deployment alongside colleagues from the firearms department.

[citation needed] All general-purpose work involves the dogs' outstanding sense of smell, several hundred times superior to that of a human.

The force also utilises both English Springer Spaniels and Labradors for their specialist detection roles; drugs, firearms, explosives and cadaver.

Prior to this, the Merseyside Police Air Support Group was set up in late 1989 in response to an increase in the number of high-speed vehicle pursuits that were occurring after burglaries had been committed outside of the force area.

The unit was disbanded in July 2011 amid budget cuts with the loss of its helicopter and Woodvale base.