FROM bobby on the beat to being in the hot seat – policing in Solihull has gone full circle for the town’s new top cop.
Lee Wharmby started his career as a PC keeping the borough’s streets safe and is now back as Chief Superintendent after taking over the reigns from Bas Javid.
It is a homecoming for the 47-year-old who even stayed at Solihull police station living quarters after initially joining the force.
Now, 26 years later, the father-of-two is looking forward to working alongside the community as the head of neighbourhood policing.
At the heart of his aims and priorities will be preventing crime, protecting people and helping those in need.
Lee’s varied career has included working within the counter-terrorism unit, murder investigation team and force incident manager with an overview of all major jobs going on across the region.
After rising through the ranks, Lee has also played a national role in advising around undercover policing.
But he takes even greater pleasure being based back where it all began.
The place is so close to his heart he still lives in the area – although not in police accommodation now.
Lee said: “It is very exciting to be back policing in Solihull, it is a place I have a real affinity for having started my career here.
“I live in the borough so I take even greater pride in the fact I have been entrusted with the role as commander of neighbourhood policing.
“I know what a fantastic place it is to live, work and socialise and I am hoping my experience can only help policing in the area.
“It is a new role for me but thankfully I have a great team of officers in place to help with our focus on preventing crime, protecting people and helping those in need.
“I am looking forward to working with all our partners across the public, private, voluntary and community sectors to reduce crime and disorder and protect the most vulnerable in our society.
“I can’t wait to see first-hand some of the excellent work which is already taking place and continue to encourage people to be active citizens to help keep Solihull safe.
“The one thing our communities can be guaranteed is I will do my best for Solihull – my family alone will ensure to that.”
