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| Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia | |
|---|---|
| Post | Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia |
| Body | West Mercia |
| Incumbent | John Campion |
| Incumbentsince | 2016 |
| Formation | 22 November 2012 |
| Inaugural | Bill Longmore |
| Website | West Mercia PCC |
Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia The Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia is an elected official responsible for setting policing priorities, budgets and strategic direction for West Midlands Police-adjacent areas including Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire. The post was created under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 as part of national reforms following debates involving figures such as David Cameron, Theresa May, and Nick Clegg. The commissioner works alongside local authorities such as Shropshire Council, Herefordshire Council, and Worcester City Council to influence public safety and crime reduction strategies.
The office originated from legislative changes enacted by the Coalition government (UK) 2010–2015 and the Home Office (United Kingdom), replacing police authorities like the former West Mercia Police Authority. Early controversy and public debate involved campaigners, academics from institutions such as the London School of Economics and commentators in outlets including The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph. The inaugural commissioner, Bill Longmore, was elected amid national elections where parties including the Conservative Party (UK), Labour Party (UK), and Liberal Democrats (UK) contested the role. Subsequent developments engaged figures from the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and policy reviews by the College of Policing.
The commissioner sets a strategic Police and Crime Plan for the West Mercia Police, commissions victim services such as those delivered by charities like Victim Support, and determines the policing precept that affects council tax sets by Worcestershire County Council. Statutory duties derive from the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and include appointing and, if necessary, dismissing the Chief Constable of West Mercia. Operational policing remains the responsibility of the Chief Constable and senior officers trained at the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) and College of Policing. The commissioner allocates grants, collaborates with the Crown Prosecution Service, and liaises with agencies such as NHS England and the Ministry of Justice on subjects including counter-terrorism coordinated with the Home Office Counter Terrorism Policing network.
Elections follow rules administered by the Electoral Commission (UK) and are timed in cycles similar to other PCC posts; terms were established after consultations involving the Cabinet Office (United Kingdom). Candidates typically represent parties such as the Conservative Party (UK), Labour Party (UK), Liberal Democrats (UK), Green Party of England and Wales, or stand as independents. The length of a term is set by statute, and by-elections have occurred when incumbents resigned, drawing scrutiny from commentators at BBC News and constituency representatives like MPs from Shrewsbury and Atcham and Hereford and South Herefordshire. Campaign issues have included police funding debated in the House of Commons and proposals examined by the Public Accounts Committee.
Notable officeholders include inaugural commissioner Bill Longmore and successor John Campion. Their tenures interacted with regional leaders such as Philip Dunne (MP) and Mark Garnier (politician), and with senior West Mercia Police figures like successive Chief Constables formerly trained at institutions including the National Police College. Officeholders have engaged with national forums such as the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and met ministers from the Home Office (United Kingdom) including Sajid Javid.
Commissioners have often been affiliated with national parties including the Conservative Party (UK) and Labour Party (UK), influencing policies on visible policing, rural crime approaches relevant to regions like The Marches, and initiatives addressing issues raised by organisations such as Crimestoppers and Stop Hate UK. Policy focus areas have included tackling domestic abuse in partnership with Refuge (charity), improving road safety with Highways England stakeholders, and supporting mental health triage in custody suites with services from NHS England and local Clinical Commissioning Groups like Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCGs.
The commissioner is scrutinised by the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel, composed of councillors from Shropshire Council, Herefordshire Council, and Worcestershire County Council as well as independent members following guidance from the Local Government Association. Financial accountability is audited by external bodies including the District Auditor processes overseen by the National Audit Office and subject to review in debates in the House of Lords and House of Commons. Complaints mechanisms involve the Independent Office for Police Conduct and judicial review potential at the High Court of Justice.
The role requires collaboration with regional partners such as the West Midlands Combined Authority, voluntary organisations like Citizens Advice and Samaritans, and education stakeholders including the University of Worcester and University of Salford on research into policing models. Commissioners convene community safety partnerships with local bodies like Local Resilience Forums and work alongside groups such as Neighbourhood Watch and community interest companies to implement programs funded by grants administered through the National Lottery Community Fund. Cross-border cooperation occurs with neighbouring forces including West Midlands Police and Warwickshire Police on operations coordinated via the National Crime Agency and regional taskforces addressing organized crime and cybercrime.