Progress continues at pace to deliver change following PEEL inspection

A report setting out what West Mercia Police is doing well and where it can improve was published by HMICFRS in May, following an inspection in 2024.

Understanding that communities expect a police force that is delivering the best possible service, PCC John Campion held an Assurance & Accountability meeting three months after it was published to support and challenge Chief Constable, Richard Cooper on progress.

The PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) Inspection identified areas of good work, progress made on challenges, and areas where further improvement was needed.

In response, the force has created a Strategic Action Plan, and it was noted that since the inspection, significant improvements had already been made in relation to governance, data, and oversight.

The Chief Constable provided an update on work to protect and identify vulnerable people, with plans in place to deliver a more robust multi-agency response.

With technology playing an ever-greater role in policing, the Chief Constable reassured the PCC about positive progress to improve data collection and analysis to support force performance and productivity.

A long-standing issue, police officer morale was also discussed. The PCC sought assurance that the Chief Constable understood what was contributing to low morale and the steps being taken to improve it with a greater focus on ensuring officers are doing work, only they can do.

PCC John Campion said: “Following the report I set out my expectation that progress to deliver on the recommendations happens at pace.

“West Mercia Police is full of hardworking police officers and staff who are on the thin blue line keeping communities safe – it’s on the Chief Constable and I to set them up to succeed. 

“I am reassured change is happening, but it won’t all happen overnight.

“That’s why I remain committed to using the powers available to me to scrutinise and monitor progress, whilst directing the resources needed to deliver the best possible service to communities in West Mercia.”