The re-elected Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Simon Foster, has announced a series of reforms to help tackle crime in the West Midlands.
Simon Foster will begin by replacing the existing seven-member Strategic Policing and Crime Board, with a smaller three-person Board.
The new, leaner Accountability and Governance Board will meet throughout the year to ask tough questions of the Chief Constable, holding him to account. The meetings will be held in public, livestreamed and recorded.
In addition, the PCC will create a new separate Advisory Panel, which will consist of people from across the West Midlands, who either have lived experience or are experts in their field. This Panel will advise and support the PCC.
The PCC has also decided to recruit a new Victims’ Advocate and a Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner. Both will sit on the Accountability and Governance Board.
The Commissioner said: “The Victims’ Advocate will be key to my election pledges, to ensure justice for victims, so offenders face consequences for their crimes.
“They will also support the welfare of victims, to ensure they receive the right help, in the right way, in the right place and at the right time.”
Simon Foster’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner will be Wasim Ali, from Sandwell, who has been an Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner for the past 3 years. Instead of 2 Assistant PCCs, there will now be a single Deputy PCC.
Wasim, 30, has a history of public service. He has served as a Councillor, a Cabinet Member and as Deputy Leader of Sandwell Council and understands police accountability and governance. He played a key role in the hiring of the Chief Constable.
Simon Foster said: “Wasim is committed to serving the people of our region and to ensuring their safety and security.
“I am clear that I want to continue rebuilding community policing, preventing, tackling and reducing crime and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of West Midlands Police. Wasim will help me achieve all of these objectives and more.”
Wasim Ali, said: “I am deeply honoured and excited to have been appointed Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.
“I look forward to working tirelessly and supporting the Commissioner to deliver justice, safety and security for the people and communities of the West Midlands.”
Three other previously established bodies will continue their work.
Firstly, the West Midlands Youth Commission, made up of young people elected by their peers from across the West Midlands, will continue to support the PCC, to understand and respond to the policing and crime issues that affect young people.
Secondly, the pioneering Ethics Committee will continue to support West Midlands Police, to use data and new technology in ethical and proportionate ways.
Finally, the Joint Audit Committee will soon recruit new members and continue its valuable work in providing assurance to both West Midlands Police and the Office of the PCC, on financial and operational matters.
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