Parish “not told of police change”

Parish councils should always be kept informed if officers leave or join their local police teams, the chief constable has said, after one Shropshire councillor said it had not happened in his ward.

David Tremellen, who represents Highley, said, after a discussion with the local Safer Neighbourhood Team commander, the rule appeared to be at the officer’s own discretion, and not automatic.

Chief Constable Anthony Bangham told the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel that parish councils should be told of retirements and replacements “no ifs no buts”.

He added that the Local Policing Community Charter, agreed with Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, focused on “relationship management” between the officers and the community.

A report by Mr Campion’s office accompanying his 2021-22 budget said the financial plan had been agreed with the force alongside the charter, which would “set out clear commitments from the West Mercia Police as to how they will improve delivery against key community priorities”.

It added: “It provides a framework and metrics for the PCC to be able to hold the police to account going forward to ensure these improvements are delivered, and provides transparency and reassurance for local communities who will be able to see progress against these commitments.”

In the panel meeting discussing the budget, Cllr Tremellen – who is also a member of Highley Parish Council – said: “There’s an item about keeping parish councils up to date about policing issues in their patches.

“It’s not happening here in Highley. The retirement of one of our local PCSOs wasn’t notified, nor was the introduction of a new sergeant to our SNT [safer neighbourhood team].

“We’ve spoken about this with our local SNT commander, Inspector Nikki Roberts – excellent, by the way. It appears it is not policy to give out details of any changes unless the police officer concerned has asked for it.

“What I’d like to ask is, if any such policy exists, could it be reviewed with an eye to changing it to one that takes account of the need to establish and build a closer connection with parish councils, treating them as partners in the team.”

Chf Con Bangham said: “I am aware of the issue you’ve raised in Highley. I can confirm there is no policy. There’s nothing complicated in this, there are no constraint from the centre.

“This is about relationship management. This is what we’re trying to emphasise in the charter.

“You should feel comfortable. Of course, if a PCSO you are in contact with and have a relationship with is leaving this organisation, you should know.

“You would want to be able to say goodbye and, I’m sure, want to know who is going to replace. That should happen, no ifs no buts.”