A FORMER Redditch beat bobby who became Chief Constable of West Mercia Police has appointed another former Redditch officer to be his deputy.
The appointment of Amanda Blakeman by Chief Con Anthony Bangham follows a rigorous selection process that has seen her step up from her current post of Assistant Chief Constable, Local Policing, a position she has held permanently since May 2016.
Amanda joined West Mercia Police in 1992 and after initial training was posted to Redditch.
After eight years as part of 24 hour response and neighbourhood policing in Redditch and Worcester in 2003 she was promoted to Sergeant and then Inspector in 2006.
Here she was responsible for Redditch and Bromsgrove intelligence and proactive functions, as well as being one of the divisional senior investigating officers.
She then moved to headquarters as a Detective Inspector on the Force Serious and Organised Crime Unit. During this time she received a National Award from the British Association for Women in Policing for ‘Excellence in Performance’.
Chief Con Bangham said: “Following a comprehensive selection process, I am very pleased to welcome Amanda as our new DCC. She brings with her a wealth of experience and operational knowledge. She clearly understands what is required to support the communities of West Mercia.”
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I am extremely pleased in the Chief’s choice. I’m confident that Amanda will do an excellent job for the communities of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire. Amanda was successful in an exceptionally strong field which gives me even greater confidence that she is the right person for the job.”
