I met Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Jones and Chief Superintendent Paul Moxley on Zoom. We were joined by High Sheriff of Herefordshire
Joanna Hilditch and High Sheriff of Worcestershire Richard Amphlett.
ACC Jones is responsible for local policing while Supt Moxley, who lives in Shropshire, covers all five police areas.
There are currently around 2,500 officers in the West Mercia Police authority – 200 more than last year.
The officers warned of the dangers of negative social media, which is becoming a common theme, as is mental health in society.
There are 60 community police officers in the region. Both officers stressed the importance of early intervention to prevent crime and 20 officers are designated specifically for this work.
There is a great deal of community policing, aimed at educating children against crime. The parental bond is, once again, of key importance and those with stable families are significantly better placed. The value of a stable family base is a theme that recurs again and again.
I spoke with Owen Paterson, MP for North Shropshire who is passionate about the wellbeing of the county.
The main focus of our conversation was the tragic death of Owen’s wife Rose, who took her own life last summer. I pledged to do everything I can to support the Rose Paterson Trust and its aim to make people aware of the hidden dangers of mental health which, in extreme circumstances, can result in suicide.
Here is a link to a podcast involving Owen and daughter Evie talking movingly about the loss of a wife and mother.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/choppers-politics/id1213415786?i=1000517827000