PCC sets deadline for West Midlands Police to be out of enhanced monitoring
Police and crime commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster has told West Midlands Police he wants the force to be out of enhanced monitoring by March 31 next year.
He has challenged the force to implement improvements to ensure it is removed from ‘engage’ status in “record time”.
In a report published on Friday, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said West Midlands Police was failing in a number of key areas of concern.
As a result, it placed the force into ‘engage’ status, which means it will be subjected to closer monitoring and additional support.
The force has been told to carry out more effective investigations that lead to satisfactory results for victims, work effectively to keep vulnerable people safe, better manage the risk posed to the public by registered sex offenders and manage the risk posed by online child abuse offenders.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Mr Foster said they both disagreed with the conclusions drawn by HMICFRS, as they are based on data that is nearly a year old.
Mr Guildford also said he has already made “significant improvements” since he was appointed chief constable in December 2022.
He has also written to His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams stressing that the actions he has taken since being appointed chief constable “negates the necessity to formally engage the force”, which he says will “significantly undermine public and workforce confidence”.
Mr Foster said: “Since West Midlands Police was effectively placed into special measures, I have met with the chief constable to discuss the issue.
“Both the chief and I don’t agree with the decision of HMICFRS to place the force in engage, but further improvements are necessary.
“As such, I have given the chief until March 31, 2024, to make sure the force is removed from ‘engage’ as a top priority.”
He added: “I am confident this turnaround can be achieved, because action has already been taken and is continuing to be taken by West Midlands Police to resolve each of area of concern as a matter urgency.”
The West Midlands PCC has also written to HMICFRS requesting it “kindly reviews its decision and revises it”.
Read the full letter at https://www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/pcc-my-letter-to-hmic/