The West Midlands Police are in urgent need of reinforcements, with at least 150 additional officers required to help restore policing to its former strength. Simon Foster, the area’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), has written to the Home Office requesting the extra officers, which would form part of the government’s £100m pledge to put 13,000 more police on the streets across the country.
Foster’s plea comes amid a troubling decline in the number of officers in the West Midlands. He revealed that the force has 700 fewer officers and 500 fewer community support officers than it did in 2010. Meanwhile, other regions have seen their police numbers reach record highs, which Foster labelled “inexcusable unfairness.”
Why the Need for More Officers?
“These 150 additional police officers are crucial for fulfilling my commitment to rebuilding neighbourhood policing,” Foster said. “We need a visible, accessible presence on the streets to prevent crime, promote safety, and reassure the public. This is about protecting the people, families, businesses, and communities of the West Midlands.”
The issue of neighbourhood policing is expected to be a key discussion point at Monday’s West Midlands Police and Crime Panel meeting, where Foster will continue to push for this vital boost to the force.
In his report to the panel, Foster made it clear that rebuilding neighbourhood policing remains his “top priority”, a goal that’s becoming increasingly urgent as crime continues to affect the region.
