Chief Constable David Shaw

David began his police career with West Midlands Police, serving in a wide range of areas within the force.  His career has been varied, and while he has predominantly been involved with uniform operations, he has also worked with the Force Inspectorate, Operational Planning and as a Detective Chief Inspector.

David's career history included two years as commander at the Queen's Road operational command unit in Aston, Birmingham - a challenging role in an area with high deprivation, considerable serious crime and community cohesion issues.

In 2004, he attended the Strategic Command Course at the Police Staff College, Bramshill.  In January 2005, he was selected to the post of Assistant Chief Constable.  His portfolio included neighbourhood policing, Criminal Justice and ICT, together with territorial policing responsibilities for Walsall and Sandwell Boroughs.

In July 2006, David took on responsibility for the crime portfolio, incorporating counter terrorism and also territorial command for the Coventry and Solihull Boroughs.

David joined West Mercia Police on appointment to Deputy Chief Constable in September 2008 and in August 2011 was appointed Chief Constable.

David has undertaken a number of national roles, predominantly associated with forensics.  These include being the Senior Responsible Officer for the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS) and SRO for the DNA Transition Programme.  He is currently ACPO Lead for Forensic Databases and Fingerprints and is also on the Board of the FEEU Project.