Police Watchdog HMIC has released its latest inspection results showing West Mercia requires further improvement in key areas such as protecting victims at risk of domestic abuse and missing children. West Mercia are also judged as “requiring improvement” in fighting organised crime. The Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner Candidate John Campion has expressed concern over latest HMIC’s judgement that West Mercia Police “requires improvement”.
Mr Campion says, “Whilst the report does highlight some of the forces key strengths such as preventing crime, it is yet another damning judgement that shows that West Mercia has to improve in key areas. This all comes as we learn that back office agency spending is out of control, fewer burglaries result in the prosecution of the offender, response times that are soaring all whilst police stations are closing and Council Tax is rising. Local communities must be wondering how the current Commissioner team has let this happen on their watch.
“As Commissioner I would work to effectively hold the Chief Constable to account. I would provide the right investment to tackle organised crime and make sure the police were always on the side of the vulnerable in our community. The failed current Commissioner team in West Mercia has let down our communities over the last three years; I would work from Day One to start to put this right.”
HMIC report PEEL: Police effectiveness 2015 – West Mercia Police