West Mercia Police welcomes first female Chief Constable
CC Philippa Mills has previously served with The Met and Essex Police
Last updated 22nd Sep 2021
West Mercia Police has welcomed its first female Chief Constable to the force.
Chief Constable Philippa Mills has previously served with Essex Police and the Metropolitan Police.
The top role has been headed up by men since the force was first established in 1967.
"I'm absolutely incredibly proud of this", Phillipa says.
"I hope to be an inspiration and role model, not only to current officers and staff but also looking at those who are considering a career as an officer of member of staff within the organisation."
Some of her main priorities include boosting morale amongst officers who have had a very challenging time doing their jobs during the pandemic.
Philippa added: "I want to give them a shot in the arm and say "you are doing a great job and local communities really appreciate what you do.
"I think my role as the chief is to make sure they've got everything they need to do their job really well.
"I'm also going to really be focusing on listening to what they tell me they need and make sure that it's provided for them".
She has extensive experience leading major and critical incidents, specialist and local policing and transformational change.
In November last year she became the National Police Chiefs Council lead for Police Dogs.
Philippa added: "I think my experience in Essex and at the Met is going to serve me well here in West Mercia.
"How do you police such a rural force area which also still has these big cities and and busy areas?
"Criminals travel between force areas and I think how I previously have had to work with surrounding police forces is going to be a huge benefit to this role.
"West Mercia is surrounded by eight force areas, including West Midlands and Merseyside which have bigger cities so working with them is going to be really great."