Introduction
This Policing Plan sets out the proposed arrangements for policing in West Mercia for 2008 – 2011 and gives particular emphasis to the objectives for the forthcoming year in the local authority areas of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire.
This is a shared plan, prepared by West Mercia Constabulary and West Mercia Police Authority working together for safety and justice.
Police Authority Strategic Priorities
The policing priorities identified in this Policing Plan are those which the Chief Constable is committed to deliver but these may be seen against a wider framework which the Police Authority would wish to achieve, subject to availability of sufficient resources.
The following strategic priorities underpin the approach of the Police Authority, whose remit is to ensure an efficient and effective police service for the people of West Mercia.
- Maintaining effective Police Authority monitoring of force activity and its progress towards Policing Plan priorities, including the development of enhanced protective services
- Developing and monitoring community engagement and partnership working both by the force and the Authority, including the development of Local (Neighbourhood) Policing
- Monitoring and promoting force performance and in particular public reassurance and satisfaction
- Maintaining police officer and staffing levels at a minimum of shire force average *
- Adopting a long-term capital programme, making sufficient provision for the infrastructure needs of the force
- Monitoring budget expenditure, efficiency and effectiveness.
These priorities are subject to review in the light of Government legislation, available resources and changing environmental conditions, including the incidence of crime and the views of the public.
*In 2007/08 we have fallen behind the average for the number of police officers employed. With the current Government restrictions on precept levels it is not expected that this shortfall can be substantially addressed in 2008/09.
Bookmark with: