WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has welcomed West Mercia Police’s chief constable’s commitment to protect policing numbers as the Government carries out a Spending Review across its Departments.
The police staffing numbers remain at an all-time-high level with just over 2500 officers on the books.
But the West Mercia force is actively recruiting special constables to carry out duties alongside full-time officers with the plan to take on a further 80 specials.
Dame Harriett met with newly confirmed chief constable Richard Cooper who has been serving in the role since the summer of 2024.
The MP was also briefed on a range of other police matters, including the efforts to investigate the recent armed robbery at Holt Heath Post Office.
Dame Harriett said: “It is always useful to catch up with the Chief Constable and hear of the challenges he is facing.
“I plan to keep a close eye on the investigation of the armed robbery at Holt Heath although incidents of serious crime in West Worcestershire are fortunately rare.
“We talked about speeding and the reduction of accidents on our roads, and I welcome the targeted efforts to make our roads safer with appropriate enforcement.
“I also took the time to thank Richard and his team for all the hard work he and his colleagues do to keep us safe and secure.”
