West Mercia Police working to halt rising number of homicides - The Redditch Standard

West Mercia Police working to halt rising number of homicides

Redditch Editorial 13th Feb, 2022   0

THE WEST Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner is working with the force in a bid to take action against the rising number of homicides in the area.

John Campion and officers are trying to understand the reasons why people have lost their lives and how further deaths can be prevented by targeting root causes, such as mental health or domestic abuse.

The issue was raised at a holding to account meeting, where it was discussed that in order to tackle this crime, a ‘whole system’ approach was needed, including the PCC investing in prevention services and identifying where there are gaps.

West Mercia Police will place extra resources into investigations.




Figures show the highest proportion of those killed were as a result of partner on partner (20 per cent) with parent on child accounting for 15 per cent of the 19 recorded homicides in 2020/21. The term ‘homicides’ covers both murders and manslaughters.

Mr Campion said: “Unfortunately we have seen a worrying rise in the number of people needlessly losing their lives, which is devastating families.


“As PCC I want to reassure communities that I will take the necessary action to tackle this crime, and put an end to this increase we are currently facing.

“Regardless of the nature of this crime, it still has the potential to cause concern among communities.”

He added – as part of his budget proposals – an additional 68 police officers would be allocated to investigations.

“I will also continue to provide funding for services which work with perpetrators of crime, such as domestic abuse, to prevent further victims.”

Mr Campion will also seek reassurance and regular updates from Chief Constable Pippa Mills that what has been discussed in meetings is implemented on behalf of the communities of West Mercia.

Ms Mills said: “Homicide is one of the most ruinous crimes that impacts families and communities.

“We retain a wholehearted commitment to find justice for those affected and constantly seek improvement in how murder is investigated.

“West Mercia has a cross-directorate action plan and a range of prevention activities to break the drivers of murder: domestic abuse, mental health, organised crime and county lines.”

She added the additional resources would continue the delivery of high quality investigations, alongside more preventative measures.

The force working proactively with the PCC and partners in health, education, probation, criminal justice and other authorities would help save lives.

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