Candidates split over future of West Mercia Police

The five candidates hoping to be elected as West Mercia's police and crime commissioner took part in a BBC local radio debate

Five candidates battling to be the next police and crime commissioner for West Mercia have taken part in a BBC local radio debate.

The discussion saw the politicians clash over how to improve neighbourhood policing and tackle rising reports of shoplifting and rural crime.

Women's safety and the low morale of police officers and staff were also discussed, as voters' issues were put to candidates.

West Mercia's police and crime commissioner (or PCC) is responsible for more than 2,500 police officers, and the force's budget of more than £280m. Voters head to the polls on 2 May.

Candidates' top priorities

Each candidate was asked to single out their top priority, if elected:

• John Campion (Conservative and current PCC) said he would look to cut crime by basing more police officers within communities

• Henry Curteis (English Democrats) said he would bring an end to "two tier" policing, where some groups were treated more harshly than others

• Julian Dean (Greens) pledged to test out "tri-service officers", a specialist role involving fire, ambulance and police that is already in place in Devon and Cornwall

• Sarah Murray (Liberal Democrats) said she would work with partner organisations to reduce waiting times in the courts

• Richard Overton (Labour) pledged to fully review West Mercia's finances, to pump savings into front-line policing

Labour candidate Richard Overton pledged to increase front-line police numbers, through a full review of West Mercia's finances

The candidates were asked to address concerns the police were not visible enough.

Mr Campion - who has been PCC since 2016 - highlighted West Mercia's 2,530 police officers, a record number.

Neighbourhood policing

Mr Curteis said he would "reset" the force's focus away from addressing "hate speech", insisting officers spend more time on the street.

Mr Dean argued "tri-service" support officers, would give the force a "real presence" in every community.

Ms Murray said West Mercia needed to recruit additional police community support officers (PCSOs).

Mr Overton argued he could free up existing officers' time by hiring more civilian staff.

With shoplifting on the increase in West Mercia, the candidates were asked about steps they would take to reduce retail crime.

Between September 2022 and September 2023, the number of reports made to the force went up by 38%, Office for National Statistics figures show.

Funding for CCTV

Ms Murray said more resources were needed, and backed the government's plan to introduce a specific criminal offence for assaulting shopworkers.

Mr Overton said he would increase investment in CCTV.

Mr Dean warned that Shrewsbury's CCTV network faces a funding shortfall in its running costs, and criticised current PCC Mr Campion's policy of only paying for equipment.

Mr Campion argued it was right councils contributed to the upkeep of CCTV, and highlighted his creation of ten dedicated town centre teams.

Mr Curteis would not commit to funding CCTV running costs. He said there was more the police could with existing intelligence.

Tackling rise in rural crime

The debate then moved on to address farmers' concerns about an escalation in rural crime, an issue highlighted by Shropshire's NFU branch.

Mr Overton said too few rural crimes were investigated, with victims not getting enough support.

Mr Campion said recent police operations would see more criminals brought to justice. He pledged to base more officers in rural communities.

Mr Curteis said farmers were entitled to defend their property. He also called for West Mercia to roll out regular mobile police stations, with dedicated officers for rural areas.

Ms Murray said she would guarantee that officers would attend rural burglaries.

Mr Dean cast doubt on whether it was possible to base officers in thinly-populated rural areas, and said more investment in intelligence-gathering was needed.

English Democrat candidate Henry Curteis said mobile police stations were needed in rural areas

Conservative candidate and incumbent John Campion criticised English Democrat candidate Henry Curteis

West Mercia Police has the second lowest level of morale among forces nationwide, according to a recent Police Federation survey.

A total of 95% of officers told the organisation their personal morale was low.

Should officers attend Pride events?

Mr Dean said "embedding" officers in communities would give them more of a sense of achievement.

Mr Overton blamed the government for underfunding police forces. He said additional civilian staff would free up officers to do their jobs.

Mr Curteis argued police officers were demoralised by diversity targets, and from attending and funding Pride events.

But Mr Campion accused Mr Curteis of promoting misinformation, saying he was proud West Mercia was an inclusive organisation. He also argued police pay must "keep pace" with inflation.

Ms Murray also disagreed with Mr Curteis, saying it was important officers attend Pride events.

Want to know more?

You can read more about the mayoral candidates here.

The BBC local radio police and crime commissioner debate is available to listen to on BBC Sounds.

The election on 2 May will be judged on a first past the post system and the winner will be announced a day later in Telford.