West Mercia Police chief says end of force alliance will not affect applicants
A West Mercia Police chief has reassured would-be job applicants that it’s safe to transfer from Warwickshire – despite the breakdown of an alliance between the two forces.
The job advert, seeking constables, detective constables and sergeants, originally referred to the “collaboration agreement” between the two forces, saying it would smooth the way for applicants.
Earlier this month the force – covering Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Herefordshire and Worcestershire – suddenly announced it was withdrawing from the “strategic alliance” it began with Warwickshire in 2013.
West Mercia Deputy Chief Constable Amanada Blakeman admitted it was an “unsettling time” for the workforce, but reassured them they will “remain informed and engaged throughout the process”.
On October 9, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said it was a “carefully-considered decision” to pull out of the alliance, and insisted it would improve efficiency and service.
The force is currently advertising for new constables, including those with firearms and firearms trainer credentials, and there are roles for detective constables, sergeants and experienced constables seeking promotion to sergeant rank.
Ms Blakeman said her force was seeking both new recruits and applicants with specialist skills.
“For these we are actively seeking to invite officers with specialist skills from all other police forces in the UK to consider an application to come and join us,” she said.
“The announcement on October 9 set out West Mercia Police’s intentions to withdraw from the strategic alliance to ensure the best possible service for the communities of West Mercia, with the current arrangements terminating in October 2019.
“Looking to the future, the planning of this journey will now start.
“However, it is important to say we are open to working with Warwickshire Police and would like to continue to work closely, just in a different collaborative format.
“We recognise this may be an unsettling time and would like to offer assurances that our workforce is of paramount importance to us and we will ensure they remain informed and engaged throughout this process.”
Simon Payne, the chairman of the Warwickshire branch of the Police Federation, said: “We work very closely with West Mercia federation and the representation officers get both sides of the border will remain second to none.
“I have a great working relationship with my colleagues in West Mercia. We all work for one purpose: To protect the public.”
Mr Payne, a police constable with 32 years’ experience, said the announcement was surprising, but not affecting the day-to-day job.
He said: “There are a lot of officers, including me, asking ‘Why?’ But there are still many opportunities out there.”
The advert, posted on West Mercia Police’s website and tweeted by their official account, originally said:
“Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police have entered into a collaboration agreement under Section 23 of the Police Act 1996 which allows for the transfer of officers between the two Forces without the need for permanent changes to their conditions of service.”
That paragraph has since been removed from the webpage, and it no longer refers to Warwickshire specifically.
By Alex Moore - Local Democracy Reporter
