Specialist officers appointed to tackle violence against women and girls
The officers will be working across West Mercia’s policing areas.
Last updated 17th May 2023
West Mercia Police have announced they have appointed four new specialist officers to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWAG).
The officers will be working across West Mercia’s policing areas in Telford, Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Worcestershire. A fifth officer will be recruited to cover South Worcestershire.
The Force say these positions reflect their focus on pursuing offenders and bringing them to justice, while ensuring victims receive caring and compassionate support.
They also say they are committed to prevent offending, reduce risk and put victims and survivors at the heart of everything they do.
Working together with West Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, police aim to create a safe and secure West Mercia for communities.
The VAWAG officer in Telford is Police Constable Rebecca James. Rebecca has been a police officer for 16 years having initially worked as a patrol officer. For the past ten years she has worked as a safer neighbourhood officer in the south Telford area.
Rebecca said: “I want to do everything I can to make our communities safe, happy and flourishing places to live. A police officer’s purpose is to safeguard and protect everybody and it is exciting to be part of this innovative strand of policing.”
Detective Constable Jane Harding will be working across Shropshire.
Jane said: “Speaking, not just as a detective, but as a mother and as a female in our society, I want to help make positive changes in how we deal with violence against women and girls.”
Detective Constable Natalie Welch works in North Worcestershire covering Kidderminster, Bromsgrove and Redditch. She worked for West Mercia Police for 14 years across various staff roles before becoming a police officer.
Natalie said: “I want to do everything I can to help our local communities and force area. If I can only help protect one person a day, it’s one less person feeling alone, hurt or ashamed.”
Detective Constable Katie Parry has been appointed to cover Herefordshire where she has worked for 16 years, firstly in response and then community policing.
Katie said: “Recently, the scale and prevalence of VAWG offences has been brought to the nation’s attention through a number of harrowing cases. When the role of the VAWAG officer was advertised, I applied as I want to make a positive change to my local community.”
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Cooper said: “We are determined to provide a first-class response to those offences which disproportionately affect women and girls and to pursue those who commit them. Every officer and member of staff has a part to play in this. However, these specialist officers will have a vital role in coordinating protective measures, driving best practice and ensuring our actions are informed by the experiences of women and girls in West Mercia.”
PCC John Campion said: “I hope the specialist VAWAG officers further reassure communities across West Mercia that the Chief Constable and I are committed to tackling domestic abuse.
“All four recruits bring a wealth of knowledge and experience into their new roles. I will ensure they have the resources and tools they need as we continue making progress in our journey to eradicate violence against women and girls in West Mercia."