Interim police chief pledges to listen to public

Temporary Warwickshire Police Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith has been in post for two weeks

Warwickshire's interim police chief has pledged to learn from mistakes and listen to suggestions from the public on how to improve.

In an open letter, temporary Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith said the force cared "passionately about victims of crime".

The former deputy has been in post since Debbie Tedds retired last month after 35 years of service.

"We know we don't always get it right, but we will work hard to learn from mistakes when they are made," he wrote.

"We will be relentless in our pursuit to continually improve what we do and how we do it."

Mr Franklin-Smith said he would travel across the county in the coming days and weeks to meet both staff and members of the public.

"I will be listening to what you have to say about how we can improve the service we provide on your behalf," he added.

Having worked in uniform and detective roles, he said he felt "fortunate" to lead a workforce of dedicated and committed police officers and police staff".

"In Warwickshire, we care passionately about victims of crime, and together with our many partners, we will continue to work hard to bring more offenders to justice," he wrote

"I am confident that our plans for the future remain strong, as do our aims to deliver the very best possible policing services for the public."

The former deputy, who is in charge while a recruitment process gets underway to appoint a new chief, wished Ms Tedds " a very happy and healthy retirement".