TOP talks have been held between the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire Philip Seccombe and his opposite number at West Midlands Police, David Jamieson, to ensure the future sustainability of the county force.
The move comes after West Mercia Police abruptly ended its highly-praised strategic alliance with the Warwickshire force leaving the latter in what has been described as an ‘unsustainable position’.
Under the arrangement agreed West Midlands Police will deliver a range of shared services for Warwickshire from April 2021.
These will include a range of business services in addition to the IT services already in place.
Talks are also underway for West Midlands Police to deliver forensic services for Warwickshire.
Mr Seccombe has also agreed to talks on Warwickshire Police being involved in the delivery of roads policing across the wider region.
He said: “The Chief Constable of Warwickshire and I have evaluated all of our options, looking in detail at other providers of services and it is clear to us that West Midlands has the best solution with the investment that has been made in delivering effective services.
“They are a well-led, crime-fighting force that has showcased the way in which cutting-edge technology can deliver major efficiencies resulting in a more effective service to the public.
“This agreement represents a real opportunity for Warwickshire to take advantage of the best in class services delivered by West Midlands Police and is an important part of our programme to deliver a sustainable future for Warwickshire Police.”
Mr Jamieson added: “I look forward to assisting Warwickshire in the delivery of the services as part of this agreement.
“This will be delivered at no detriment to the policing delivered in the West Midlands and Warwickshire will pay for all services received.
“It would be a real benefit to roads policing, both locally and nationally if Warwickshire join the Central Motorway Policing Group.
“By agreeing this deal, West Midlands Police has ensured that Warwickshire Police is now sustainable.”
