Revealed: Areas where new police officers will be deployed in the West Midlands
Much-needed new police officers will be deployed across the West Midlands when they finally arrive in post.
West Midlands Police and Crime Panel will be presented with a report on neighbourhood policing when members meet on Monday, September 8.
And part of the report outlines where new officers will be sent when they have all been recruited, a process expected to be completed in autumn.
Earlier this year, funding was secured from the Home Office under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee to pay for 150 new officers.
In addition to this, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster said 139 existing officers will also be redeployed into neighbourhood policing units.
The report to panel said the 289 officers will be allocated as follows:
Birmingham Central: 25 new officers/23 redeployed
Birmingham East: 30 new officers/28 redeployed
Birmingham West: 25 new officers/23 redeployed
Coventry: 12 new officers/11 redeployed
Dudley: 10 new officers/10 redeployed
Sandwell: 14 new officers/13 redeployed
Solihull: 8 new officers/7 redeployed
Walsall: 12 new officers/11 redeployed
Wolverhampton: 14 new officers/13 redeployed
As well as these new and redeployed officers, 20 new PCSOs will also be taken on to support units.
The report to Panel said: “In April 2025, the Chief Constable and the PCC, secured the extra 150 neighbourhood police officers for the West Midlands, following approval of the joint bid by the Home Office.
“In addition, 139 existing serving police officers will be redeployed into neighbourhood policing roles. There will also be an additional 20 new Police Community Support Officers.
“These additional and new police officers, allocated into neighbourhood policing, will contribute to improved justice, safety and security, for our people and communities across the West Midlands.”
At a previous meeting, Mr Foster said the additional officers were crucial as police numbers have been severely cut over a number of years.
He said: “Increasing neighbourhood policing numbers is crucial for us because we still have around 700 fewer officers and 500 fewer PCSOs than we did back in 2010.
“That is despite many other forces having more police officers than they’ve ever had in their history.
“Something which is deeply inequitable, deeply unfair, it’s inexcusable and unacceptable.
“This is a contribution towards righting that wrong. But we need that accessible and reassuring visible presence out on the streets keeping people, families, businesses and local communities safe.”
