Telford & Wrekin Council raises concerns over police force inspection findings
A council has raised concerns over a critical report of the region's police force.
Labour-run Telford & Wrekin Council has issued a public statement calling for 'urgent and accountable leadership from the West Mercia's Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), John Campion' following the publication of a report into West Mercia Police’s performance by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
The report, which was published last month, rated the force in a number of areas but graded just one section as 'good'.
Four areas were judged ‘adequate’ and four others, including responding to the public and protecting vulnerable people, were rated as ‘requires Improvement’.
The council said: "The findings are deeply concerning and fail to meet the level of service that communities in Telford and Wrekin expect and deserve."
Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing & Enforcement said the authority had raised a number of concerns over issues with the force - including support for victims, officer visibility, and the speed of response to community worries.
He said: "This report paints a picture of a force that is not meeting its responsibilities - and it’s our residents who pay the price.
"We have consistently raised issues around officer visibility, slow response to community concerns, and inadequate victim support. To see that ‘protecting vulnerable people’ still requires improvement is unacceptable.”
The council's own statement did seek to avoid direct criticism of local officers, stating: "While acknowledging the commitment of local officers and staff - many of whom go above and beyond in a challenging and under-resourced environment - the Council is clear that poor leadership and lack of communication are compounding the issue."
Councillor Paul Davis, the authority's Cabinet Member for Communities & Civic Pride said: “We stand behind the hardworking officers on the ground. They deserve better support, better resourcing, and better direction. Sadly, this report reflects failures of leadership, not a lack of dedication from those doing the job.”
The council statement queried why it had not been made aware of the findings before they were made public.
It said: "As a key partner in delivering safer and stronger communities, the council believes it should have been proactively briefed - not left to learn of the inspection's conclusions through public reporting.
"In light of the seriousness of the inspection, Telford & Wrekin Council is requesting immediate sight of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s response - including a detailed action plan and timeline for measurable improvements.
"The council also reiterates its strong opposition to recent discussions around cutting Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) cover at night, particularly at a time when public reassurance and local visibility are more vital than ever."
