PCC’s commitment to ensure victims of crime receive a level of service they expect

PCC John Campion has committed to ensuring the service victims of crime receive from West Mercia Police is improved in all areas.

During an inspection in 2021, carried out by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), a number of areas were identified as cause for concern around the service West Mercia Police provides to victims, specifically how it investigates crimes, supervises investigations and updates victims.

During a re-visit from HMICFRS, it was found West Mercia Police had made some improvements on these concerns. However, it also highlighted that more needs to be done in relation to supervision and the allocation of investigation plans, as well as how it responds to the public through 101 and 999.

PCC John Campion’s Safer West Mercia Plan outlines his commitment to ensuring victims and survivors are at the heart of his work, and that of the force. The PCC has therefore continued to support and challenge the force by providing additional resources to investigations and holding the Chief Constable to account on delivery and progress.

At the end of November, the PCC will be holding an Assurance and Accountability (A&A) meeting on force performance which will specifically focus on the findings and concerns from this re-visit.  

PCC John Campion said: “I welcome the latest report from HMICFRS, as it is another way to ensure that victims receive a level of service they expect from their police force. Becoming a victim of crime can be a terrifying ordeal for many, therefore it is vital these individuals are supported throughout the process.

“I will continue to ensure West Mercia Police is making the improvements it needs to, specifically against the outstanding areas of concern, for the sake of all victims and those who need a response from their police service. My next scheduled A&A meeting is just one of the ways in which I will do this.”