Committed to ensuring West Mercia Police is delivering a service that communities expect and deserve, PCC John Campion held his latest Assurance and Accountability meeting.
Looking at a range of public priorities, including 999 performance, and crime volumes, the meeting was an opportunity for the PCC to support and challenge Chief Constable, Richard Cooper.
Ensuring emergency 999 calls are answered quickly and properly, the T/CC reassured the PCC about work taking place to increase the number of call handlers, following the PCC’s investment, and strengthen technical stability.
There has been a statistically significant reduction in the number of recorded domestic abuse offences in West Mercia. This fall will be analysed to greater understand the decrease and what is driving it.
Focus then turned to the force’s national priorities in relation to Murder, Homicide, and Serious Violence, Drugs and Neighbourhood Crime.
There has been a sustained reduction in homicide with low levels continuing over April to June. Serious violence is also on the decrease following the implementation of hotspot policing.
To disrupt the drugs trade, a new recording system is now in place to accurately track the work of the Serious Organised Crime team across West Mercia, alongside licensed partners.
Following a broadly positive review after an unannounced visit by HMIC into police custody suites in West Mercia in 2022, the PCC questioned the force’s progress to implement the report’s recommendations.
The CC acknowledged the improvements that need to be made with ongoing work taking place to ensure detainees can feedback on their experiences, as well as delivering a programme to ensure the custody estate is fit-for-purpose.
PCC John Campion said: “Having a police service that meets your needs is what I am committed to delivering.
“These regular meetings are an opportunity to shine a spotlight on police performance to understand where things are going well, and where there are issues.
“Whilst it’s clear there is more that can and will be done, I will continue to support West Mercia Police with the necessary resources and tools to deliver on your priorities.”
