FROM December 31, West Mercia Constabulary has committed to deliver the new national Policing Pledge which gives the public a clear minimum standard of service which we will deliver.

There are 10 elements of the pledge which broadly fit into three core themes:-

  • Community engagement and consultation
  • Contact management and response
  • Victim, witness and customer care We already comply with most aspects of the pledge and while it is an organisational commitment, every officer and member of staff has a role to play in its delivery.

Elements include:-

  • Responding to emergency calls safely and as quickly as possible, with an aim to be there within 15 minutes in an urban area and 20 minutes within a rural area.
  • When a call involves a vulnerable or distressed victim or appropriate PACT priority we will aim to be there within one hour.
  • Offer an appointment within a 48- hour timeframe, through a diary system for less urgent calls.
  • Treat people fairly and with dignity and respect. When dealing with a victim of crime who requests an update, we will inform them that we will make the initial contact within the first seven days and agree with them when we will provide further updates.
  • Ensuring at least one community engagement event per month on each Local Policing Area. Local Policing priorities are clear, concise and accurate on the Local Policing database on the force website, www.westmercia.police.uk Public confidence is the new overarching performance measure for all police forces. So going forward it’s even more important that people are satisfied with the service we provide and that we have the confidence and support of the public as we go about our daily business.

The pledge forms part of a wider programme of work being undertaken to ensure that we put the citizen at the heart of everything we do and that our policing services are tailored to an individual’s needs.

Delivering a high quality, personalised service is critical to building public confidence and satisfaction in the force.

CHIEF INSPECTOR JIM BAKER, KIDDERMINSTER POLICE