THE SEARCH for the next West Midlands Police chief constable has begun.
This comes after Sir David Thompson, the force’s current chief constable, announced he will be standing down from the role in January.
Sir David was appointed as chief constable in 2016, by the former West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), David Jamieson, and his contract was extended in 2020 to provide continuity of leadership until beyond the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The current PCC, Simon Foster, said: “Chief constable of West Midlands Police is one of the top jobs in British policing and I am keen to attract a talented, wide and diverse panel of candidates.
“The next chief constable will be responsible for working with me, to deliver my Police and Crime Plan and my core pledge of rebuilding community policing.
“Appointing a chief constable is one of the most important decisions I will make whilst in office.
“I expect the next chief constable to prevent and tackle crime so as to ensure the West Midlands is a safe and secure place for people to live and work.
“The next chief constable will play a key role in ensuring public services across the West Midlands work together effectively.
“The role is important at local, regional and national levels.”
It is the responsibility of the PCC to appoint the chief constable, as well as setting the force’s strategy, budget and holding the police service to account on behalf of the people.
The PCC has already written to police officers and others across the country holding a rank equivalent to assistant chief constable or above, to invite their interest in the post.
Applications for chief constable will close at 5pm on May 30, with shortlisted candidates due to be interviewed in late June.
