Committed to building a safer West Mercia, PCC John Campion has welcomed additional Government funding to continue his focus on tackling anti-social behaviour.
The latest Government announcement, following a successful pilot in ten other force areas, will see West Mercia Police receive £1 million to increase uniformed patrolling in ASB hotspots.
Understanding ASB is a key public concern, the PCC funded the launch of five Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Teams – covering the three counties – in 2023.
Building on this progress, the PCC is targeting resources into the creation of town centre policing teams in dedicated areas tackling violence, ASB, and illegal public drug consumption.
As the voice of the public in policing, the PCC will work directly with the public to ensure the areas and activities targeted by the teams are both effective and visible.
The PCC will also take a lead role in commissioning services and working with partners to deliver swift and visible punishments to offenders through Immediate Justice.
Welcoming the funding, PCC John Campion said: “I fully support this announcement by the Government as I regularly speak to communities across West Mercia who tell me about the impact anti-social behaviour is having on their feelings of safety.
“I am clear, ASB is not a low-level crime, and it needs a strong police response. That’s why I remain focused on ensuring West Mercia Police has the resources it needs to drive change.
“In line with the public’s priorities, I have targeted significant investment into boosting officer numbers to record levels, introduced first-of-a-kind Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Teams and this year, town centre policing teams.
“I am under no illusion that this is job done, and while this progress is welcome it needs to be seen and felt by the public. As set out in my Safer West Mercia Plan, I will continue to use the powers available to me to ensure your voice is at the heart of policing in West Mercia.”
