'I am committed to the police learning from these events'- Acting West Midlands Chief Constable apologises on first day in role
The acting chief constable for West Midlands Police has been speaking on his first full day in the role and has apologised on behalf of the force.
Scott Green addressed the controversy over the policing of the Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv game saying they had damaged their relationship with individuals and Jewish communities locally, nationally and internationally and had lost trust and confidence from the people of the West Midlands.
He said: "The failings identified by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMICFRS), in his update letter to the Home Secretary in relation to our planning, policing and subsequent response to the Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv, are damning.
"Our response to criticisms of the force, and our reaction to the Home Secretary’s statement to Parliament on Wednesday was too defensive and not acceptable. I reiterate again my unreserved apology for the damage that we have caused.
“I am committed to West Midlands Police learning from these events, but most importantly, taking immediate action focused on repairing the damage we have caused which has resulted in the loss of the confidence individuals and communities have in us.
"The public losing confidence in policing, undermines the core principles of British Policing. We will work tirelessly to restore that trust, ensuring that we police without fear or favour.”
“I have today asked Acting Deputy Chief Constable Jen Mattinson to undertake a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in relation to any recordable conduct matters by senior officers in West Midlands Police in relation to these events.
“We will continue to fully engage with HMICFRS as their work continues and we will respond promptly and effectively to all matters raised by them. I am steadfast in ensuring that we do not repeat our wrongs, we listen and make changes.
“The officers, staff and volunteers of West Midlands Police, particularly those on the frontline, work tirelessly to protect the communities that we serve without fear or favour. This will not change.
“The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and I have already met today to discuss the actions the force will take to re-build trust and confidence with the public of the West Midlands, and we are committed to working together to deliver this.”
Earlier the PCC for the West Midlands Simon Foster announce former chief constable of the West Midlands Police Craig Guildford, has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Mr Foster himself faced called to resign by member of campaign group Campaign Against Antisemitism who said there was an institutional problem from within the West Midlands Police.
