The latest news from the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner

Update from West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner

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The latest news from John Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner

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Video: Remember Veterans Initiative

The Remember Veterans programme will help those who enter the criminal justice system to reintegrate more successfully into civilian society.

Military personnel dedicate their careers to protecting our country, so it is absolutely right that we show the same dedication to them once they leave the forces. The Armed Forces Covenant have kindly provided a grant of almost £300,000 which I will use to  support veterans across West Mercia over the next two years. The initiative will also be delivered across Warwickshire.

The project will provide veterans with, amongst other things, a new referral and helpline service, peer support, and help to access training and employment support.  Click the image above to view a video in which I explain some of the benefits. For more on this initiative follow @WestMerciaPCC and the #RememberVeterans.

Police Bravery Awards

Earlier this month I attended the national Police Bravery Awards and met PC Robert Harris, from Telford, who saved an elderly woman's life, during a house fire, risking his own life on the process.

Hearing the story of PC Harris’ actions along with examples from other nominated officers, truly shows how our police are extraordinary people who achieve extraordinary things every day.

I’d like to thank him on behalf of the communities of West Mercia. The bravery shown by PC Harris was exceptional and he helped prevent what could have been a tragic event.

Left to Right: Russell Yeomans, Police Federation Chair, PC Robert Harris, Roberts wife Catherine Harris, Chief Superintendent Charles Hill and PCC John Campion

There is no place for hate crimes in our communities.

I am pleased to support the Home Office’s ‘Action Against Hate’ plan which outlines how the government will tackle hate crime over the next four years. and will work to ensure it helps create safer, more united communities in West Mercia.

I will make sure victims get the support they need to cope and recover, and hold the police to account to ensure they are playing their part. I would also encourage communities to do what they can to help tackle this issue. Whether that means reporting more hate crime to the police or challenging negative beliefs and attitudes. We must all work together to achieve the best results and create a safer West Mercia.

Meeting with the Home Secretary and Minister for Policing and the Fire Service

Earlier this month I was talks with the newly appointed Home Secretary the Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP as well as the newly appointed Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service Brandon Lewis MP. The meeting was a great opportunity to hear some of the priorities for the new Government, and to consider how this applies to my vision for a safer West Mercia.

New Appointments

I am pleased to welcome into post, my Deputy Commissioner Tracey Onslow whose appointment has been confirmed recently.

Tracey has a proven track record of representing and improving communities for many years,

both in her professional life and as a local Councillor. I believe she will be an excellent deputy, who has the drive and enthusiasm to effectively represent and engage with communities and deliver for them.

I promised I would appoint a Deputy in an open, transparent way that would stand up to scrutiny and I have demonstrated this. The six shortlisted candidates were interviewed by a panel that I was not a part of. It included an independent member of the Police and Crime Panel as well as PCC partners. I was bound by the three candidates they selected, as the best ones for the job. Tracey's appointment was ratified by West Mercia's Police and Crime Panel and her appointment represents a £10,000 saving per year compared to the previous arrangement.

Tracey joins me in early August and I look forward to working with her over the coming years, as she supports me to build a safer West Mercia.

I am also pleased to have nominated Anthony Bangham to become West Mercia's next Chief Constable.

Mr Bangham has served as the Force's Deputy Chief Constable since 2014. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel.

I made the nomination following an open, transparent and competitive recruitment process. DCC Bangham was chosen following a robust selection process and the candidates were interviewed by myself, representatives from local government, police colleagues and other partners.

West Mercia Police is undergoing a major and necessary programme of modernisation that will benefit our communities as well as officers and staff. It needs an exceptional Chief Constable to lead that transformation, inspiring the force, setting the right strategic path, delivering major projects and accelerating the pace of positive change.

Anthony is aware of the expectations that come with the role. He is committed to delivering the results West Mercia requires, and is ready for this new challenge.

Last Chance to take part in Victims Charter Consultation

I promised to deliver a new Victims Charter for West Mercia within 100 days of being elected, and I am delivering on that promise. The charter will ensure people know exactly what support and services are available should they become a victim of crime.

The consultation exercise was launched last month and this is your last chance to share your opinions and experiences before it closes at the end of the month. Your views will help to shape the Charter ensuring it reflects our communities most important priorities, and that victims in West Mercia get the help they need at the right time.

The consultation is available via this link.

Here are just a few recent pictures;

Above: In Clee Hill, South Shropshire, following a meeting with residents.

Below: Attending an event for retired police officers and staff at Hindlip Hall, Worcestershire.

Above: Attending a Multi-Cultural Fun Day at the Redi Centre, Redditch.

Below: In Hereford,talking to voluntary groups about how we tackle domestic and sexual violence

John's Diary Highlights

28^th July: Visiting Firearms and Dog Training Centre- Hindlip

29^th July: Meeting Director of Youth Services- Worcester

2^nd August: Meeting NFU advisor to discuss rural crime

4th August: Meeting West Mercia Police Department Heads

5^th August: Meeting the Bishop of Hereford, followed by a tour of Hereford Police Station and visit to local policing area

10^th August: Briefing from Victim Support charity

12^th August: Meeting Worcester Crown Court Judge

17^th August: Meeting with Professor of Forensic Psychology to discuss domestic abuse strategic review- Worcester

18^th August: Meeting new student officers- Wellington

18^th August: Visit to Telford Magistrates court

To view John's more in depth diary visit: http://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/News-and-Events/The-PCCs-Diary.aspx

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Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, West Mercia · PO Box 487 · Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6WB · United Kingdom