West Midlands Police Chief Constable Chris Sims to step down

Chris Sims started his police career some 30 years ago with the Metropolitan force

The chief constable of West Midlands Police has announced he is to step down in the new year.

Chris Sims said it had been a "fantastic privilege" leading the force through "six challenging years".

More than 2,500 officer and staff posts are due to go across the force over the next five years as part of £130m savings.

He made the announcement soon after releasing details of the force's plans for the next decade.

The WMP2020 plan includes introducing new technology and changing the way the public can contact officers.

Mr Sims said he will use his remaining time with the force "to make sure the transition to the next chief constable is as smooth as possible".

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson described Mr Sims as an "outstanding" chief constable.

"Today is about thanking a dedicated public servant, but is also the start of a process to select a new chief constable to carry on Chris Sims's excellent work and guide the force through the next era of policing," Mr Jamieson said.

Mr Sims started his career with the Metropolitan force some 30 years ago and also served with Staffordshire Police.