THE FORMER Chief Constable of West Midlands Police has been referred to the policing watchdog, after the force apologised for its failings in banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match at Aston Villa in November.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford, who retired from the force on Friday (January 16), has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster.
Mr Guildford’s replacement, Acting Chief Constable Scott Green, issued a ‘full and sincere’ apology on behalf of the force on his first day in the role (Monday January 19).
He said: “The failings identified by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMICFRS), in his update letter to the Home Secretary in relation to our planning, policing and subsequent response to the Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv match, are damning.
“A direct impact of our actions has been a loss of trust and confidence from the public of the West Midlands and more broadly. More specifically, I know we have damaged our relationship with individuals and Jewish communities – locally, nationally, and internationally. We have damaged our relationship with communities and many others are feeling disappointed in their police force.
“Our response to criticisms of the force, and our reaction to the Home Secretary’s statement to Parliament on Wednesday was too defensive and not acceptable. I reiterate again my unreserved apology for the damage that we have caused.
“I am committed to West Midlands Police learning from these events, but most importantly, taking immediate action focused on repairing the damage we have caused which has resulted in the loss of the confidence individuals and communities have in us. The public losing confidence in policing, undermines the core principles of British Policing. We will work tirelessly to restore that trust, ensuring that we police without fear or favour.
“I have today asked Acting Deputy Chief Constable Jen Mattinson to undertake a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in relation to any recordable conduct matters by senior officers in West Midlands Police in relation to these events.
“We will continue to fully engage with HMICFRS as their work continues and we will respond promptly and effectively to all matters raised by them. I am steadfast in ensuring that we do not repeat our wrongs, we listen and make changes.
“The officers, staff and volunteers of West Midlands Police, particularly those on the frontline, work tirelessly to protect the communities that we serve without fear or favour. This will not change.
“The Police and Crime Commissioner and I have already met to discuss the actions the force will take to re-build trust and confidence with the public of the West Midlands, and we are committed to working together to deliver this.”
West Midlands PCC Simon Foster welcomed the statement.
He added: “I want to ensure the force takes comprehensive and immediate action to rebuild the trust and confidence of all our communities across the West Midlands.
“These matters have had a significant impact on public confidence, and the confidence of particular communities in the West Midlands. This is unacceptable. The force know that I expect them to comply with the very highest standards of conduct at all times.
“I will therefore make a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding any conduct matters by the former Chief Constable in relation to these events.
“Continuing to hold the force to account for its actions, arising from the ban on away supporters from attending the football match on November 6, remains a top priority.
“At my Accountability and Governance Board next Tuesday (January 27), I will be considering in public, a report I have requested from West Midlands Police, and putting questions to the force. I also await the publication of the Home Affairs Committee report into these matters.
“I acknowledge the continuing and understandable public interest. I will continue to hold West Midlands Police to account. That is absolute, unconditional and non-negotiable.”
