Tranche 1- An inspection of the police response to the public disorder in July and August 2024
Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP
Home Secretary
Home Office
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
10th February 2025
An inspection of the police response to the public disorder in July and August 2024- Tranche 1
I am writing to you in response to His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection of the police response to public disorder in July and August 2024.
The report made 3 recommendations in total, with all 3 referencing Chief Constables alongside other policing and official bodies.
As the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, I am committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities through both strengthening operational readiness and working collaboratively with community leaders and stakeholders to continue to build trust and confidence in West Mercia Police.
Thankfully, West Mercia were not directly impacted by disruption in our force area although officers were deployed to support other areas. Below I provide comment on some of the key issues set out in the report alongside comments from West Merica Police against each of the relevant recommendations.
Operational preparedness
The ability of the police to respond effectively to public disorder is fundamental to maintaining trust and confidence. The public rightly expects the police force to be proactive, not just reactive. The HMICRS report outlines several areas where operational readiness for public disorder events could be enhanced.
As part of my formal Assurance and Accountability process to hold the Chief Constable to account, early last year I wrote to the Chief Constable seeking reassurance on the forces readiness to respond to escalating incidents.
I have been assured that the force has training and processes in place to respond to violent disorder with a current review being undertaken to fully understand their current capabilities and capacity in line with the recommendations. The force regularly runs Op Damsun to test the mobilisation of public order public safety resources.
Whilst West Mercia Police does not have its own drone capability, this is provided by the Fire service, but personal drone capability is being explored as part of the wider review.
I am reassured that West Mercia Police work closely with regional forces to ensure strong collaborative operational links and is frequently called to assist mutual aid requests by the National Police Coordination Centre.
Community engagement
My Safer Communities Plan places great emphasis on policing with the community. I continue to hear too often from residents that policing does not feel part of their communities. I am clear that I want to put policing back into the heart of the community and I will be relentless in my focus over the term of this plan to achieve this.
It is essential that communities feel heard and involved in the policing response particularly in times of heightened tension. The report makes clear that while officers worked hard to restore order there were missed opportunities to engage with communities beforehand to diffuse tensions.
I will continue to hold the chief constable to account to ensure that efforts to engage with communities are strengthened and that communities feel heard more generally but especially during time of disorder.
Officer wellbeing
The bravery and professionalism of our officers in facing violence and disorder cannot be overstated however I share concerns about the impact of these events had an officer’s physical and mental well-being. A well-prepared police force is one that is both operationally ready and properly supported.
I am reassured that the force has enhanced training and processes in place to ensure officers have access to basic needs such as food, rest and rotation.
Summary
The themes presented in the HMICFRS briefing align with West Mercia’s commitment to being a police force that is prepared, engaged and resilient. As PCC, my role is essential in upholding public trust, and I am committed to supporting West Mercia Police to meet the required standards.
John Campion
Police and Crime Commissioner
West Mercia