My statement following the announcement that Staffordshire Police will be placed in special measures following inspections by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary
“I, like residents across Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove & Talke, are very disappointed to see Staffordshire Police, alongside five other police forces, be placed under special measures following inspections by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.
“It appears to me that many of the problems raised are as a result of poor leadership under the previous Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police. The way in which he structured and prioritised policing in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire failed to give confidence to the public that the police had their back, and in turn damaged the morale of the excellent local Police Officers and PCSO’s, that I know work tirelessly to protect us all.
“I have confidence that under the recently elected Staffordshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, and the newly appointed and nationally well regarded Chief Constable, Chris Noble, that they will work tirelessly to address the areas of concern and implement the changes needed. I stand ready to do all I can to assist them in this.
“One of the changes made is a new local policing model for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, which was launched this week. This new model will see quicker responses to emergencies, develop better local knowledge in order to solve problems, and give Police Officers and PCSO’s more time to investigate and provide a high-quality, consistent and caring service for victims of crime.”