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West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster out with the local neighbourhood team on Soho Road in Handsworth

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has delivered on his pledge to rebuild local community policing by investing in 450 additional police officers across the region.

The PCC pledged to rebuild community policing when he was first elected back in 2021 and, less than three years later, a total of 570 police officer uplift posts have been invested into the seven local policing areas in the West Midlands.

These roles across Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton are focused on greater visibility in our communities, with a particular focus on the areas across the force, responding quickly to incidents and preventing, investigating and resolving crime.

We have now secured an additional 1,451 officers, whilst further investment will see West Midlands Police officer numbers boosted to 8,084 by the end of March 2024. This is welcome. However, the Commissioner will continue to campaign for the return of our missing 800 police officers, 500 PCSOs and for fair funding for the West Midlands.

The PCC said: “When it comes to rebuilding community policing, I have been leading the way. As part of my commitment to rebuild community policing and to deliver on my pledge to the people of the West Midlands, I have invested in 570 additional, local community police officers across the region.

“It is essential that we invest in preventative, proactive, problem solving and visible community police officers, out on the streets, keeping people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure. Community policing will prevent and tackle crime, promote partnerships, build trust and confidence, protect the vulnerable and improve access to justice for victims of crime. 

“The number of police officers across the West Midlands will also exceed 8,000 this year, with an emphasis on rebuilding community policing. We have secured, in total, an additional 1,451 officers, whilst further investment will see West Midlands Police officer numbers boosted to 8,084 by the end of March 2024. This all part of my plan to prevent, tackle and reduce crime.”

The Office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner is keen to hear about great policing within your community. Email [email protected] to tell us about a particular officer or team.

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