England has no national police force. The Metropolitan Police operate only in London (hence the name.) Christie disappeared in Surrey, which had (and has) its o

England has no national police force. The Metropolitan Police operate only in London (hence the name.) Christie disappeared in Surrey, which had (and has) its own territorial force, the Surrey Police. Note in particular the concern was that multiple forces had been involved in the search i.e. more than just the Surrey Police, and therefore the concern that London police resources had been spent unnecessarily in the search - hence the question to the Home Secretary.