New chief appointed at West Midlands
Dave Thompson has been confirmed as the preferred candidate for the role of chief constable of West Midlands Police (WMP).
Dave Thompson has been confirmed as the preferred candidate for the role of chief constable of West Midlands Police (WMP).
Mr Thompson, currently the forces deputy chief constable, will replace Chris Sims who is stepping down early next year.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the forces Police and Crime Panel (PCP) on October 12.
Mr Thompson, who has held his current role since 2010, is leading the forces programme of change which involved managing the implementation of a ground-breaking partnership with Accenture.
He joined WMP from Greater Manchester Police where, between 2007 and 2010, he was assistant chief constable responsible for counter terrorism, strategic partnerships and operational IT strategy.
Prior to that appointment he led the policing of East Manchester and played a major part in the policing of the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
Mr Thompson is currently the national policing lead for gangs, the criminal use of firearms and the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS). He was awarded the Queens Policing Medal in 2014.
West Midlands police and crime commissioner (PCC) David Jamieson said: David Thompson is an excellent police officer who I am delighted to announce as my preferred candidate. He is clearly the best person in the country for the post.
Mr Thompson said: I am absolutely delighted to be the preferred candidate for the post of chief constable. I look forward to appearing before the panels confirmation hearing.”