THE RE-ELECTED Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has revealed plans to help tackle crime in the West Midlands.
Simon Foster says he will begin his second term in office 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.
Mr Foster 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.”
Mr Foster has also announced Wasim Ali from Sandwell, will take on the role of deputy PCC.
Previously the region had two assistant PCCs.
Mr Foster said 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.
