West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has today asked the Chief Constable Sir David Thompson to make operational recommendations on the force’s estate for him to consider.
The review comes after the covid-crisis that has severely disrupted public services across the country, including to West Midlands Police’s estates programme, with several projects delayed because of the pandemic.
The PCC has asked the Chief Constable to make recommendations on the estate required to meet the region’s policing needs, any changes to previous plans following the pandemic and operational developments in recent years.
The review will also examine the further steps the force can make to have a greener estate and reduce carbon emissions.
The recommendations for the PCC to consider are expected to be presented at the September meeting of the Strategic Policing and Crime Board by the Chief Constable.
Speaking after the announcement at the Strategic Policing and Crime Board on Tuesday 20th July, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster said:
“West Midlands Police needs an estate that is fit for the 21st century. It needs buildings complete with the modern technology officers need to do their job and help to cut crime.
“The force has also faced cuts of £175 million over the last decade and needs to do everything it can to preserve officer numbers. Despite our recruitment plans, we will still be 1,000 officers down on 2010.
“That is why I have asked the Chief Constable to review the force’s estates requirement, so I can consider the strategy at my Strategic Policing and Crime Board meeting in September.”
West Midlands Police Chief Constable, Sir David Thompson said:
“We’ve been through significant change over the last few years as we have reviewed and developed the force estate and buildings to become more flexible, sustainable and appropriate for a modern policing service.
“The review is welcome and we will continue to work in partnership with him to ensure future estate changes are based on the operational and financial needs of our force to enable us to become more efficient and effective at preventing crime and protecting the public.
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