WEST Mercia Police will be getting a new Chief Constable in September when the current one – former Redditch beat Bobby Anthony Bangham – retires after 30 years’ service and five years in the role.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has recommended current Essex Deputy Chief Constable Pippa Mills after a competitive two-day process involving four candidates.
The nomination will be offered for confirmation to the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel on July 13 after which a start date will be agreed.
Mr Campion said he was delighted to have chosen Pippa as the new Chief Constable.
It comes after his opposite number in Warwickshire Police, Philip Seccombe, also recommended a woman for the top job in his constabulary.
Debbie Tedds was subsequently confirmed as the force’s first ever female chief constable.
For West Mercia, Mr Campion said of Pippa Mills: “She will bring with her a wealth of previous experience from her service in Essex and the Metropolitan Police.”
He also expressed his gratitude to Mr Bangham for leading the force for the past five years.
“As he passes the legacy on, I look forward to working with Pippa as West Mercia Police moves into its next chapter.
“I will ensure it makes the best use of the additional investment I have made in policing to tackle crime effectively and keep our communities safe.”
Pippa said she was delighted to be chosen.
“I am committed to protecting people from harm, to delivering an excellent service to all communities and to making sure that West Mercia officers and staff of all ranks and grades are visible and accessible to those who need us.”
She vowed to put the people of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Worcestershire and Herefordshire first and ensure everyone at West Mercia felt proud to be part of the policing family, and proud to serve every community across the three counties.
