PCC John Campion has focused his attention on improving the service the public receives from West Mercia Police. 

Despite the financial challenges the county is facing, the PCC’s proposed budget for 2024/25 is focused on improving the areas which matter most to communities.

This will involve increasing the visible and accessible policing, and improving the investigations, outcomes and public contact. 

Communities should expect to see improvements to the non-emergency (101) and emergency lines (999) through boosted investment into the police contact centre, 10 additional police officers bringing the establishment figure to the highest on record (2,506), protected Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) numbers and fewer abstractions, and more offenders being brought to justice through better quality investigations. 

The PCC will be continuing his focus on commissioning victim services, to ensure people can access support when they need it, as well as preventative and diversionary activity to prevent crime from happening in the first place. 

PCC John Campion said: “The views of the public are incredibly important to me as I make my decision for this year’s budget. I have been planning for an increase, due to the rise in inflation and the cost of policing. However with inflation rising far higher than expected, it has meant I am having to review my proposals in order to ensure the level of service isn’t affected. 

“Despite these financial challenges, ensuring communities receive a level of service they expect from West Mercia Police is non-negotiable. I am therefore committing to ensuring resources are directed towards the areas that matter most to the public, so they feel the benefits of the investment I have made to date.”

You can have your say until January 7, 2024 by completing the PCC’s consultation.

Click here to view the draft budget report.