West Midlands Police to get £2m in forensics collaboration deal
West Midlands Police will receive £2 million a year to provide forensic services for a neighbouring force.
Under the terms of the deal, Warwickshire Police will gain access to technology including a crime lab and a forensic investigations team, and will also pay a one-off fee of £779,000.
The two forces signed a collaboration deal last year following the collapse of Warwickshire Police's alliance with West Mercia Police.
David Jamieson, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, said the deal would not financially disadvantage the West Midlands "in any way", and would give the force's forensic service "some additional resilience".
"It is unfortunate that Warwickshire has found itself in this position, but I am pleased that we have been able to help," he said.
"We are ensuring that Warwickshire Police has a sustainable future following the collapse of its alliance with West Mercia."
A joint statement from the two forces said: “West Midlands Police and Warwickshire Police have a strong operational partnership and we are delighted to now work together on delivering forensic services.
“Such regional collaborative working within this field complements the national direction of travel in this area.
“By sharing resources across our forces, this ensures a sensible approach to provide the best services to the public in the most efficient and effective way.”
The deal will start in September.
Warwickshire Police will retain and continue to pay costs for the Forensic Scene Investigation (FSI) hub and Forensic Scene Investigators (FSIs)/Scenes of Crime Officers at Bedworth, which will be controlled and directed by West Midlands Police.
Prior to the collapse of the alliance West Mercia Police had shared a number of services with Warwickshire Police, including IT services and forensic services.
