INCREASING the numbers of police officers on the beat, combating violence against women and boosting public confidence in the police.
Those were just some the things the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has set out to do in his Police and Crime Plan – his plan for policing until the PCC position is up for re-election in 2025.
Mr Foster has said he wants to rebuild community policing by putting ‘450 additional officers’ into neighbourhood policing in a bid to ‘strengthening the local bonds between the public and the police.’
The Labour PCC said: “Community policing is the bedrock of British policing. It embodies the principle of policing by consent on which policing in our country is built.
“I will begin the crucial work of rebuilding it to keep our communities safe.”
In his plan Mr Foster said he would work with the force to improve training and awareness for new and existing officers on violence against women and girls and domestic abuse victims.
The plan added the PCC would ‘champion a change in legislation to record misogyny as a hate crime as recommended by
Citizens UK’ to protect women and girls.
Mr Foster also outlines his plans to rollout the Fairness and Belonging Programme across the region to boost public confidence in police.
The plan added: “Relations with some communities are simply not good enough.
“I am committed to delivering change and bringing people together.
“All members of the public are entitled to an equal service whoever they may be.”
The Police and Crime Plan also outlines plans to divert young people away from crime including expanding the placement of youth workers in A&E departments and custody suites in a bid to tackle violence.
In addition to outlining the commissioner’s wider strategy, the document sets out how the commissioner will hold the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public.
West Midlands Police Chief Constable Sir David Thompson said: “This Police and Crime Plan sets a clear and comprehensive agenda for tackling and preventing crime and keeping the people of the West Midlands safe.
“West Midlands Police is determined to reduce violence and harm in all its forms, especially serious violence and violence against women and girls; tackling those who cause the greatest harm to our communities.
“We will continue to work with partners and the public to prevent crime and protect the public and ensure that the region is safe for everyone who lives here and visits.”
