PCC John Campion is welcoming new and increased support from the Government, to help police forces during the national pandemic.
The Policing Minister has written this week to all Police Commissioners and Chief Constables, confirming additional flexibility in grants from Government, which will allow forces to ease the additional pressures of dealing with Covid-19. The Government will also bring forward grant payments and remove ring-fencing, that was previously in place, to ensure PCCs and police forces can focus resources where they are needed most in the current situation.
PCC John Campion said: “The Government is listening and responding to the challenges our police are currently facing. Providing financial support and flexibility during this unprecedented situation is vital. Giving forces, such as West Mercia, more flexibility means I have the ability to direct resources to where they are needed locally right now. However, I want to assure our communities that despite the ongoing health crisis, West Mercia remains focused on other key priorities, such as increasing officer numbers, with 76 of the 93 additional officer posts created this year already recruited.
“I am reassured that West Mercia Police was well prepared and continues to respond quickly and effectively to the crisis as it develops. I will continue to ensure the force has the resources it needs to deal with the issue and keep us safe, and that the views and needs of our communities and our police force are heard within Government.”
Issued on: Tuesday 28th April 2020