THE NEW Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands has formally began his term in office.
Labour candidate Simon Foster was elected into office on May 6, but there is a legally required transition period before he could take up his new post.
That transition has finished and on May 13 Simon Foster replaced David Jamieson, who has retired after nearly seven years in the job, as the PCC.
Mr Foster has pledged to recruit 450 police officers and put them in local communities across the region.
He has also pledged to tackle knife crime, domestic abuse and to protect victims of crime.
However, he is aware of the need to act quickly as his term in office is set to be three rather than the normal four years, after the pandemic delayed elections across the country by 12 months.
Mr Foster said: “After a very long wait for the election because of Covid, I am delighted to finally be able to take up the post of Police and Crime Commissioner.
“I have lived, worked and brought my family up in the West Midlands for 35 years and so I appreciate what a privilege it is to be elected by and to represent you.
“You have placed your trust in me to ensure justice, safety and security for the people and communities of the West Midlands.
“There is no time to waste.
“I will implement the pledges set out in my Manifesto as soon as possible, including ensuring 450 extra police officers are recruited and put on our streets to make you and your family safe.”
