'My commitment has solidified': West Mercia Police's new chief intends to see out his term for 'stability'
The new chief constable of West Mercia Police says he fully intends to stay at the force for the next five years.
Richard Cooper was formally confirmed into the role by the Police and Crime Panel on Wednesday (March 19), and is expected to start from March 31.
West Mercia Police had previously been without a permanent chief constable since October 2023 when Pippa Mills left after two years to become assistant commissioner at the Metropolitan Police.
West Mercia'sPolice and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion initially chose Kyle Gordon, commander in the Met, as his preferred candidate. But, last summer it was announced that Mr Gordon would not take up the role “due to a change in circumstances”.
Mr Cooper, who was previously with Gloucestershire Constabularly, has been with West Mercia for just over three years, serving as its temporary Chief Constable since August.
However, because of the upheaval that has happened over last 18 months, Councillor Viv Parry wanted assurances from Mr Cooper that he would stay for the full five years that the role entails.
“I really like the recruitment process – this is clearer than we’ve ever had before and tells us exactly what’s happened before you’ve come to this meeting,” said Councillor Parry.
