REDDITCH’S MP has highlighted mental health issues as the number one priority when trying to tackle crime in the town.
Karen Lumley met with the new Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, John Campion, on Friday (June 3) to congratulate him on his election and discuss his plans for the future.
Mrs Lumley emphasised the importance of getting help for people with mental health conditions which may lead to offending, such as addiction, which appears to be prominent cause in Redditch.
She said: “A lot of these people do not belong in prison.
“We need to stop wasting so much police time by sending them out to mentally vulnerable people. We need to work together to give these vulnerable people the support they need. These crimes are something we can stop with intervention. Working together is the way forward.”
Mr Campion agreed with the MP and said he wanted to make sure the collaboration was there among services throughout West Mercia but said the support the police is different for each area.
“We need to make sure the collaboration is there as many of these people don’t just need police support.”
The commissioner said his main goals for his time in the role would be ensuring the police are able to be there when needed, that residents feel safe and that the tax payers money is being spent well.
