The West Mercia Police and Crime Panel met on Wednesday 9 September 2026 to discuss violence against women and girls, bringing offenders to justice, and the Police and Crime Plan performance. The panel also reviewed complaints processes and the work programme.

Violence Against Women and Girls

Commissioner John Campion highlighted that tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains a key priority within his Safe Communities plan. He noted that West Mercia Police recorded over 20,000 VAWG-related offences in the year to June 2026, stating that this figure is likely a mere drop in the ocean of the lived reality for many. The positive outcome rate for these offences was described as scandalously low, although West Mercia's rates are above those of similar forces.

The Commissioner outlined several actions being taken, including a scrutiny programme focused on investigative standards, safeguarding, and the management of perpetrators. Efforts are also underway to support the criminal justice system in improving outcomes, with a particular focus on stalking protection orders and domestic abuse protection orders. The PCC is also launching a grant programme to support children and young people in developing healthy relationships.

Councillor Jane Spilsbury raised concerns about the lack of detail regarding the Safely Together multi-agency pilot, which aims to support children who cause harm to parents or carers. She questioned the evidence base for the bid and the estimated number of families that would require support. Commissioner Campion acknowledged that detailed needs assessment information would need to be provided by the commissioning team.

Councillor Richard Udall praised the Operation Jog On campaign, which supports female runners by having plainclothes police officers intervene against catcalling and other unwanted attention. He expressed alarm at the misogynistic comments received when he supported the campaign online and sought assurances that this would not deter future efforts. He also raised concerns about engaging with hard-to-reach communities, specifically the trans community and sex workers, asking about the potential for specialist police liaison officers.

Commissioner Campion responded that the Jog On campaign would continue, and that efforts were being made to capture the lived experiences of individuals from seldom-heard groups to inform policy. He also stated that dismantling organised criminality was central to addressing issues faced by those in the sex industry.

Councillor Vivienne Parry raised concerns about the vulnerability of disabled people and women who may be drugged and sexually assaulted in public places. She stressed the importance of having female police officers available to support victims who may be afraid to report such incidents. Commissioner Campion assured the panel that victims have the ability to choose the gender of the officer they speak to when reporting incidents.

Bringing Offenders to Justice

Commissioner Campion presented an update on bringing offenders to justice, stating that positive outcomes continue to improve, with over 14% of recorded crimes resulting in a positive outcome. He noted significant performance improvements in rape and serious sexual offences, though he stressed that this was not a cause for celebration but a sign of positive direction. Investigation timeliness has also improved, with the average time to secure a positive outcome reducing by approximately 70 days.

The Commissioner highlighted his engagement with MPs regarding the impact of the Sentencing Act 2026, particularly concerning early release arrangements for offenders. He expressed concerns about the management of offenders in the community and the need for reassurance that systems are in place to deal with those released early.

Councillor Peter Rusemann questioned whether the positive outcomes measure included traffic offences and suggested focusing on more specific, serious crimes. He also raised concerns about the Pre-Arrest Diversion Scheme (PADS), questioning its provider and whether it negates arrest, which could lead to a loss of intelligence such as DNA and fingerprints. Commissioner Campion confirmed that PADS is delivered by Red Snapper Managed Services and that it is a proportionate decision for officers to use this scheme for low-level offences, with the drugs seized.

Councillor John Gallagher asked for clarification on victim satisfaction figures, particularly for burglary and stalking, and what actions were being taken to improve these. Commissioner Campion referred back to his earlier answer regarding investigative quality and the importance of victim wishes being paramount. He also mentioned Operation Franklin, which aims to provide more specialist resources in public protection units.

Councillor Vivien Parry raised concerns about cybercrime, noting that it constitutes a significant proportion of all crimes. Commissioner Campion stated he would need to check his notes regarding previous reports on this issue.

Councillor Richard Udall sought reassurance that investigations do not require multiple complainants, following an instance where a resident's quality of life was compromised by a neighbour's drug habit, but no investigation was initiated due to a single complainant. Commissioner Campion stated that if there are particular examples of this occurring, they should be raised with his office so he can advocate for them to be investigated.

Police & Crime Plan Performance, Metrics and Activity Monitoring Report

Commissioner Campion provided an overview of activity undertaken in support of the West Mercia Safer Communities Plan. He highlighted the establishment of strategic partnership boards for road safety initiatives and the agreement to run a grant round for road safety. He also noted ongoing engagement with local billing authorities regarding a special constable discount scheme, expressing disappointment that only Telford Borough Council had so far agreed to enact it.

The Commissioner reported that the budget is operating positively, with budget planning coming to fruition. He also touched upon significant commissioned activity with the Home Office, including additional money associated with the Sentencing Act.

Councillor Vivienne Parry raised concerns about the clarity of the report, particularly regarding the No Comment pathway being added to the Youth Justice Service Joint Decision Making Panel. Commissioner Campion explained that this is a process change to ensure that even if a suspect makes no comment to all questions, their case can still be considered by the panel, providing a more holistic view of the child.

Councillor Jane Spilsbury asked about the involvement of Palantir, a company that has been in the news regarding contracts with the NHS and police forces. Commissioner Campion stated that his instant reaction was no, but he would need to confirm this.

David Purcell asked about the cost and plans for the Shrewsbury police site and other police assets under review for co-location. Commissioner Campion explained that the Shrewsbury site would require significant capital investment for refurbishment and custody reprovision. He also discussed the co-location of police and fire services, noting a lack of co-location in the north of the region.

Councillor Jane Spilsbury asked for clarification on an unqualified annual value for money conclusion received from external auditors, and Commissioner Campion explained that this is a positive outcome.

Complaints 2025-26 Annual Report and Complaints Process Review

Tom Pollock, Head of Commercial Law, presented the annual report on complaints received about the Police and Crime Commissioner and his Deputy. He stated that no qualifying complaints were received during the period 2025-26. Pollock also presented a review of the complaints handling process, recommending its approval with minor administrative amendments. He clarified that the panel has no power to make formal findings or apply sanctions, but can provide an opinion on conduct.

Councillor Jane Spilsbury questioned who has the powers to address inappropriate behaviour if the panel cannot. Commissioner Campion explained that criminal matters are dealt with through a different process, and that the government has expressed a wish to abolish commissioners, which may be partly due to oversight issues.

Councillor Vivienne Parry expressed concern about the lack of a clear escalation route for complaints, describing it as a vacuum of governance.

Work Programme

The panel discussed its work programme for the upcoming year. Suggestions for future reports included the impact of the Sentencing Act in the West Mercia area, an update on out-of-court resolutions, and a report on tackling wildlife and environmental crime. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Monday 30 November.