What we do
We are responsible for securing the maintenance of an efficient and effective police service for the people of West Mercia and exercise some key statutory responsibilities. Although as a Police Authority we cannot interfere with day to day operational decisions, we aim to consult upon and reflect public opinion on policing issues and, in discussion with the Chief Constable, we are able to influence key policing issues and oversee complaints
Our principal duties are:
- To secure the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force in West Mercia.
- To hold the Chief Constable to account for the exercise of his functions and those of persons under his direction and control.
- To set the annual budget and precept (to be collected through the Council Tax).
- To issue, in consultation with the Chief Constable, a Policing Plan for West Mercia which takes account of the views of the community in the development of priorities and sets out specific objectives, targets and performance indicators.
- To issue an Annual Report each year on the implementation of the previous year's Policing Plan.
- To ensure that there are satisfactory arrangements for consultation with local communities regarding the policing of their area and to monitor the effectiveness of the arrangements.
- To administer an Independent Custody Visitors Scheme as an independent check on custody procedures so as to maintain the welfare of detainees at police stations.
- To monitor the way in which the Police investigate complaints made by the public about police officers up to the rank of Chief Superintendent and to determine complaints against the chief police officers.
- To appoint the Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable and Assistant Chief Constables.
- To co-operate with the Constabulary and local authorities, including contributing to the production of local crime and disorder strategies.
- To produce and distribute to every household in West Mercia an annual Policing Summary.
