The West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed a new training course which builds upon collaborative working between West Mercia Police and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS).
As part of the course, Detective Sergeants were given three realistic fire related crime scene scenarios aimed at furthering their knowledge and understanding of arson, all of which were facilitated by fire investigators from HWFRS and supported by Scenes of Crime Officers.
The course was delivered at the fire service’s facilities in Defford, Worcestershire, as part of an Investigative Supervisors Development Programme (ISDP), and was introduced by HWFRS Group Commander Martin Lown. It is one of many existing joint working arrangements between the two emergency services, which will be built upon as part of new governance arrangements.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “This is yet another positive example of these two organisations working closely together, with a shared ultimate aim to keep people safe.
By building skills, sharing experiences, and adopting a problem solving approach, the two organisations can work jointly to solve crime effectively and tackles issues such as arson which need a strong partnership approach. I am keen to look at ways we can continue to work together in the future to provide the most efficient and effective public and emergency services to our local communities.”
Assistant Chief Fire Officer John Hodges said: “Arson is a serious crime and the impact it can have can be devastating, both in terms of the physical damage it can cause and the emotional stress of those affected.
“We are therefore pleased to be able to work with West Mercia Police in this vital area of training, which will ultimately contribute towards keeping the people in our communities safe.”
Adrian Todd, West Mercia Police’s, Investigative Skills Training Course Manager “The Investigative Skills Training department are always looking to enhance the courses that we deliver in order to improve the knowledge, understanding and confidence of officers from around the alliance in relation to serious crime investigations.
“This initiative is just one such example of how we can proactively work with our partners to achieve that objective.”
For more information on joint police and fire governance visit click here.
Issued: Thursday 29th March 2018
