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West Mercia Is Among The Country's Top Performing Forces

West Mercia Police has been assessed by HMIC (Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary) and has received promising results in several categories.

The force has been rated as 'good' for confidence and satisfaction, solving crimes, reducing crime, local policing, visible presence in neighbourhoods, reducing road death and injury and meeting the standards of the Policing Pledge. West Mercia Police has also been graded as ‘excellent' for preventing knife crime.

The force received a ‘good/excellent' grading for comparative satisfaction of our BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) community.

HMIC inspects and regulates all 43 forces in England and Wales. The Police Report Card is published on Thursday 11th March and all forces received either a poor, fair, good or excellent rating in 18 categories.

"It is important for public confidence in the police that forces are held to account - for example, by police authorities and residents' Partners And Communities Together (PACT) committees. We welcome the HMIC Report Card as a way for the public to understand the work we do to keep them safe and how well we are doing it."
Deputy Chief Constable David Shaw

West Mercia received no ‘poor' grades from HMIC and they also commented that, by national standards, West Mercia Police is a low-cost force. Local council tax payers contribute 34% to the cost of policing Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire.

Deputy Chief Constable David Shaw said: "It is important for public confidence in the police that forces are held to account - for example, by police authorities and residents' Partners And Communities Together (PACT) committees. We welcome the HMIC Report Card as a way for the public to understand the work we do to keep them safe and how well we are doing it.

"We feel a sense of satisfaction the HMIC has recognised West Mercia Police as one of the better performing forces in the country and it is testament to the hard work put in by all our officers and staff, as well as the good relationships we have with our partner agencies, local communities and the West Mercia Police Authority.

"However, we are constantly seeking to improve; we never relax when it comes to trying to give the best service possible to local people, who we want to thank for the huge amount of support they give us. "

The number of serious sexual offences solved was slightly below average compared to peer forces last year, although the trend is improving. We work closely with partner agencies to improve the standards of investigation and prosecution. We also work hard to increase the confidence of victims to come forward and report matters to us; equally we look to continuously improve the support we offer to those who need us. West Mercia Police recently introduced an additional 60 Specially Trained Officers who are dedicated to supporting rape victims.

The numbers of incidents involving guns has increased slightly, although numbers remain very low. Gun crime accounts for less than one percent of all crime in West Mercia and can include incidents with air weapons and imitation firearms.

Sheila Blagg, chairman of West Mercia Police Authority, added: "West Mercia Police Authority is pleased to receive the latest HMIC assessment that recognises the delivery of above average policing across Herefordshire, Shropshire Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire.

"West Mercia is the fourth largest force area in England and Wales; it covers 2,868 square miles and spans three counties. As a police authority we are committed to the delivery of efficient and effective service for our communities so that they can continue to enjoy a good quality of life in a safe environment and at a cost that offers best value. "