West Mercia Police now more ambitious, says chief constable

Chief Constable Pippa Mills said court delays meant some victims "wait an incredibly long time to see justice being done"

The outgoing chief constable of West Mercia Police says she has left a "really clear vision" for the force.

Pippa Mills is set to become assistant commissioner at the Metropolitan Police and has also spoken of her frustrations over court delays.

Ms Mills said the West Mercia culture was now "more ambitious, more positive, less accepting of low standards".

In a BBC interview, she also spoke about her concerns about the impact on victims court delays have.

"When rape cases are getting listed for the end of 2024 and into 2025 that's an incredibly long time for somebody that's experienced something so traumatic to be waiting," Ms Mills said.

She explained the "challenges in the criminal justice system at the moment" also pose issues for her teams, in keeping witnesses and victims "engaged" until a trial date in a case.

'Very demanding chief'

However, she said she had not seen more cases fall through as a result of the backlog, with West Mercia working with the courts to resolve the issues.

Ms Mills described herself as a "very demanding chief" who had set high standards.

The West Mercia area was the ninth-safest in England and Wales, she said, adding: "The courts are full because my officers and staff are doing a great job."

She also said the force had become more inclusive and diverse, with more women wanting to join.

Overall, she said: "The force is on a really positive trajectory of improvement."