Tackling knife crime a priority for West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner
We spoke to him about his priorities going into 2025
The Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands said that tackling knife crime and violence against women and girls is a top priority when sharing his plans for 2025-2029.
PCC Simon Foster is awaiting formal approval for his four-year plan, which is expected to be announced in March 2025.
Did the West Midlands Police force improve in 2024?
He gave us a summary of what will be featured in the plan:
"It will include my commitments to rebuilding community policing, and preventing and tackling violence.
"I also want to focus on improving road safety," he said.
In September 2024, West Midlands Police removed its 'Engage' status, which means the force was being monitored because of areas of concern.
They managed to improve in 3 out of 5 areas on concern.
PCC Simon Foster said they became the fastest improving force in the country. He told us about his other successes across the region in 2024:
"The 999 and 101 service are one of the best in the country. Emergency response times have improved.
"More people are being brought to justice and crime is being cut across communities," he said.
Whilst there have been improvements, PCC Simon Foster claimed that the force is still underfunded. He said West Midlands Police still have 800 fewer officers than they did in 2010.
"There is more that needs to be done, which is why I will be continuing to rebuild community policing in 2025.
"I also want to focus on improving the investigation of crime and making sure the welfare of victims are put at the forefront of policing and the wider criminal justice system," he said.