West Midlands Police Chief Constable to stay on for another three years

Chief Constable Dave Thompson will stay on until at least 2023. His contract was due to expire next year.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, who is responsible for appointing the Chief Constable, said he wanted Mr Thompson to remain in place to provide continuity and strong leadership for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which chiefs say will be one of the biggest security challenges ever faced by the force.

Mr Jamieson, who will stand down from his role at the May election, said: "The last few years have been incredibly challenging for West Midlands Police, our budget has shrunk at the same time as the demands we face are going through the roof. Dave Thompson has faced these challenges and managed them well.

“The Chief Constable is committed to delivering my plan of putting more officers into neighbourhood policing to help us tackle crime head-on.

“Dave Thompson has been a tough Chief Constable for tough times. He is upfront about the challenges the force faces, has always given me good advice and never been afraid to speak honestly to government.

“I wish Dave Thompson well over the next three years.”

Before joining West Midlands Police in 2010 as Deputy Chief Constable, Dave Thompson commanded the main policing operations for the 2002 Commonwealth Games at the City of Manchester Stadium including the opening and closing ceremonies. He became West Midlands Police Chief Constable in 2016.

Mr Thompson, said: “It has been my privilege to serve the people of the diverse and exciting West Midlands as Chief Constable and am delighted that I will continue do so at an exciting time for the West Midlands with Coventry City of Culture next year and Birmingham hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2022 putting the region on the international stage.

"I am looking forward to using the extra officers the force will be see over the next few years to drive down crime and make the public even safer.”