West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner

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West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Your Police and Crime Commissioner in the West Midlands is Labour's Simon Foster

The Police and Crime Commissioner is the local governing body for policing in the West Midlands. Simon Foster was elected West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner in May 2021

To mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week (October 10-17), Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC attended Sand...
14/10/2026

To mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week (October 10-17), Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC attended Sandwell Council Safer Sandwell Partnership Hate Crime Awareness Event at the North Smethwick Development Trust in Smethwick.

Panel members included Români Uniti Din Anglia, Remedi: Restorative Services, Ministry of Housing & Community Development, Gurdwara Baba Sang ji Smethwick and Sandwell Police.

The event focused on current Hate Crime rates locally and nationally, trends and improving knowledge and confidence to report Hate Crime to West Midlands Police and other key partners in our communities.

Hate Crime is a criminal offence where the perpetrator has intentionally targeted somebody because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Hate Crimes can include:

🟣 Verbal abuse
🟣 Physical assault
🟣 Online abuse
🟣 Sexual assault
🟣 Harassment
🟣 Damage to property
🟣 Bullying or threatening behaviour
🟣 Inciting others to commit hate crimes

Don't tolerate hate. Report it ✊

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC has issued a stark warning to reckless motorists after a st...
12/10/2026

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC has issued a stark warning to reckless motorists after a state-of-the-art AI camera trial exposed nearly 19,000 driving violations in just two weeks.

The cutting-edge road safety trial, which took place across and , captured thousands of alarming images of motorists risking lives by driving without seatbelts or using mobile phones 📱 🚫

Simon Foster PCC is evaluating the trial data to deploy AI for future enforcement. Shocking captures included a child unrestrained on a lap and drivers using phones.

The trial, funded funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority in collaboration with West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service, recorded:

🔴 Ladywood (Birmingham): 11,144 potential seatbelt and 1,163 mobile phone offenses.

🔴 Fallings Park (Wolverhampton): 6,081 potential seatbelt and 757 mobile phone offenses.

Mobile phone use is linked to 32 deaths and unbuckled seatbelts to 133 deaths on UK roads according to road safety data for 2025.

Approximately 2,000 motorists a year in the are fined and given penalty points for driving while using a mobile phone.

Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of the Road Safety Partnership Board, Simon Foster PCC, said: "These initial findings are deeply concerning. Let me be absolutely clear: reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads remains our absolute top priority.

"We are closely evaluating these trial results to consider how this advanced AI technology can be deployed for future police enforcement.

"We cannot tolerate reckless behaviour that puts lives at risk, and we will use every effective tool at our disposal to ensure our roads are safer."

No fines were issued during the trial phase, but regional leaders supporting emphasise ongoing efforts to curb fatal offenses.

A victim of crime? Don't lose sight of your rights! 👀 ✊West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC and ...
09/10/2026

A victim of crime? Don't lose sight of your rights! 👀 ✊

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC and Victims' Advocate Natalie Queiroz MBE are continuing their powerful campaign to educate and inform the public about the Victims' Code 📋 👈

The Victims’ Code sets out the 12 rights that ensure you’re understood, informed and supported through the criminal justice process. These aren’t just guidelines, they’re your rights:

🟣 To be able to understand and to be understood
🟣 To have the details of the crime recorded without unjustified delay
🟣 To be provided with information when reporting the crime
🟣 To be referred to services that support victims and have services tailored to your needs
🟣 To be provided with information about compensation
🟣 To be provided with information about the investigation and prosecution
🟣 To make a Victim Person Statement
🟣 To be given information about the trial, trial process and your role as a witness
🟣 To be given information about the outcome of the case and any appeals
🟣 To be paid expenses and have property returned
🟣 To be given information about the offender following a conviction
🟣 To make a complaint about your rights not being met

It was a truly Special night at Tally Ho! in Birmingham as Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC celebrated the...
07/10/2026

It was a truly Special night at Tally Ho! in Birmingham as Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC celebrated the incredible achievements of Special Constables who dedicate their own time to support West Midlands Police to keep our region safe 💙

Special Constables, more commonly known as ‘Specials’, were first introduced 195 years ago in 1831 to initially combat riots and social unrest within our communities.

Fast-forward to 2026 and Specials – who have the same powers as a regular officer – play a crucial role within West Midlands Police, supporting force priorities by expanding their skillset and undertaking additional training in areas such as Taser, public order, road safety and 999 call handling.

Over the last year alone, Specials have volunteered close to 30,000 hours to support West Midlands Police, with some being promoted to rank of Sergeant 👮

West Midlands PCC Simon Foster continues to campaign for UK Government to recognise Specials as Section 50 workers – a move which would require employers to grant unpaid leave to allow them to carry out duties that benefit the public.

The PCC believes people should be given the right to take unpaid time off work so they can volunteer as police officers.

02/10/2026

A new weapon surrender bin has been installed in Coventry as part of ongoing action to prevent and tackle knife crime and remove dangerous weapons from communities.

The new bin, located at Remembrance Road, The Hagard Community, has been unveiled following work between the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership local violence prevention partners and West Midlands Police.

The location was identified following a review of West Midlands Police knife crime data, which highlighted a need for an additional weapon surrender facility in the Willenhall area.

Local partners, including violence prevention leads and community organisations, were then engaged to identify a suitable location for the bin, ensuring it is accessible to the local community.

The installation is part of the investment in and wider expansion of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s weapon surrender bin network across the West Midlands.

The bins provide a safe, secure and anonymous way for members of the public to dispose of unwanted knives, blades and other dangerous weapons. Once deposited, weapons are safely removed by professionals and destroyed.

The importance of the scheme was highlighted earlier this year when almost 2,000 weapons were removed from the streets of the West Midlands in just three months, including knives, guns, swords and machetes.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “I’m pleased to welcome this new weapon surrender bin to the Willenhall community in Coventry.

“We know that these bins make a real difference. Almost 2,000 dangerous weapons were surrendered through the network in just three months earlier this year, meaning thousands of weapons have been removed from homes and communities and safely destroyed.

“Every knife, blade or weapon deposited in one of these bins is one less dangerous weapon that could potentially be used to cause devastating harm.

“Preventing and tackling knife crime and serious violence, keeping people safe and saving lives remains a top priority for me, and I’m pleased that local partners have worked together to identify this location where there is a clear need for a weapon surrender bin.

“I would encourage anyone who has an unwanted knife or other dangerous weapon to make use of this facility and dispose of it safely and responsibly.”

Unsung heroes and inspirational volunteers from across the West Midlands have been officially recognised for their excep...
01/10/2026

Unsung heroes and inspirational volunteers from across the West Midlands have been officially recognised for their exceptional courage, compassion and dedication at the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner’s Outstanding Citizens’ Awards 2026 🏆

The prestigious annual ceremony took place at Coventry Boys and Girls Club - Club for young people – an apt host for this year’s celebrations after being honoured in the Outstanding Community Project category at the previous year’s event 👏

The evening shone a bright spotlight on selfless individuals, grassroots groups and dedicated volunteers who consistently go above and beyond to protect their communities, support victims and prevent crime.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC said: "The Outstanding Citizens’ Awards are an annual celebration and reminder of the extraordinary power of community action and spirit across our region.

"Every single winner, runner-up and nominee celebrated tonight represents the very best of the West Midlands – individuals who look at challenges, tragedies or hardships and choose to respond with action, compassion and courage."

The 2026 Citizen Award Winners and Runners-Up 🤩

🔵 Outstanding Community Group

Winner: Steppingstones In The Community
Runner-up: The Highlife Centre

🔵 Outstanding Campaign

Winner: Solihull Moors Foundation
Runner-up: Coventry and Warwickshire Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) parent graduates

🔵 Outstanding Contribution to Supporting Victims of Crime

Winner: Lucy Harrison – Founder of Road to Change CIC
Runner-up: Katie Newell

🔵 Outstanding Young Citizen

Winner: Sienna Ahir
Runner-up: Reice James

🔵 Outstanding Citizen

Winner: Sharie Kaur
Runner-up: Mohammad Zafran BEM

29/09/2026

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster says Scott Green will be the new Chief Constable of West Midlands Police.

It comes after Mr Green’s appointment was confirmed by the region’s Police and Crime Panel.

Mr Green has been serving as Acting Chief Constable of West Midlands Police since January 2026 and has now been selected by the Commissioner as the person he wants to lead the force on a permanent basis.

A delight for West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC to check in on Asylum Art Gallery & Studios L...
25/09/2026

A delight for West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC to check in on Asylum Art Gallery & Studios Ltd in to see how £5,000 from his My Community Fund is transforming lives via the Creative Recoveries project 🎨 🤩

This 12-month programme provides vital mentoring, workshops and creative development for adults transitioning out of therapeutic support.

By offering structure, skills and a strong community, it plays a massive role in prevention and rehabilitation – helping to reduce isolation, prevent relapse and support long-term recovery.

Putting community funds where they matter most to prevent crime and support vulnerability 👏

‘Community powerhouses’ recognised for transforming lives in the West Midlands 💪 🤩From safer streets and youth support t...
25/09/2026

‘Community powerhouses’ recognised for transforming lives in the West Midlands 💪 🤩

From safer streets and youth support to tackling isolation and inequality, two grassroots organisations have been shortlisted for the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's Outstanding Community Group Award 2026

Steppingstones In The Community and The Highlife Centre have been recognised for their grassroots work supporting residents, tackling vulnerability and bringing communities together 🤝

Steppingstones in the Community, based in Sandwell, has delivered more than 40 community safety walks over the past year, removing hundreds of hazardous items from public spaces, while its youth club has supported more than 60 young people with one-to-one help designed to improve wellbeing and prevent offending.

Its work also extends to men’s mental health and su***de prevention, cycling and wellbeing, food aid, stop smoking and anti-vaping outreach, environmental projects and cross-cultural community building.

Based in Coventry, The Highlife Centre provides a trusted, culturally competent space where people of all ages can access support, develop skills and pursue their ambitions.

Its community sessions, youth development programmes, leadership and skills training, mentoring and business start-up support aim to tackle some of the underlying issues that can leave people vulnerable to crime, exclusion and exploitation.

Simon Foster PCC said: “Both organisations embody the spirit of these awards. They are rooted in their communities, understand the challenges people face and, most importantly, are making a genuine difference to people’s lives.”

The winners will be announced at the Outstanding Citizens’ Awards on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Coventry Boys and Girls Club - Club for young people.

23/09/2026

“Life’s good. The future’s looking really good. I’ve got my own flat now and I speak to my family again!” 🥰 🙌 💜

This is Rhys from who, thanks to the Offending 2 Recovery (O2R) programme, has got his life back on track and is now thriving after years of drug and .

It’s been two years since Rhys was approached by PC Nicola Brown from the O2R team in Dudley and, let’s just say, he hasn’t looked back since.

From accessing drug treatment services, tailored support and even being given the little things such as clothing, food and toiletries, Rhys has rebuilt relationships with his family and is now travelling the country, educating others about how the O2R scheme has saved his life.

Had he remained trapped in the revolving door of drugs, crime and custody, Rhys would be telling a very different story today.

This week, the award-winning O2R programme, a pioneering initiative that transforms lives and significantly reduces shop theft across the , has officially expanded into .

The programme works by directly targeting the root causes of prolific offending. It identifies individuals trapped in a cycle of chronic substance dependency and guides them away from criminal behaviour by providing access to specialised drug and alcohol treatment, stable housing support and tailored rehabilitation plans.

By treating addiction as a health issue rather than relying solely on enforcement, the initiative prevents retail theft at the source, helping individuals rebuild their lives while protecting local businesses and communities.

This latest rollout follows the initiative’s successful establishment in in 2018 and its further expansion into , Dudley, and in 2025.

To deliver the scheme locally, West Midlands Police and Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster PCC are teaming up with SIAS Solihull, Solihull Council, NHS Birmingham and Solihull partners and local Solihull Police teams.

Since its launch, O2R has offered tailored support to close to 1,000 individuals, helping them transform their lives. Today, over 200 people gripped by addiction continue to be actively engaged with the scheme.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “I am pleased to see the Offending 2 Recovery programme expand into Solihull. By investing annually into this initiative, we are taking direct action to prevent crime by tackling the root causes of crime.

“Addiction drives shop theft, and anti-social behaviour. By supporting vulnerable people to turn their lives around, we don’t just transform their futures – we protect our local businesses, reduce the number of victims of crime and keep people, families and local communities safe and secure.”

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