Extra officers for new police chief

Paul West started his new job on Monday

West Mercia Police's new chief constable has completed his first day in the job.

Paul West, 45, joined the West Mercia force from Thames Valley Police, where he was deputy chief constable.

He began his police career with Durham Constabulary in 1979 and was appointed divisional commander for Prime Minister Tony Blair's Sedgefield constituency in 1992.

Mr West's arrival coincides with the force exceeding its recruitment target, said a statement released by West Mercia Constabulary on Tuesday.

Tax hike

It said that 2,400 police officers, the highest number ever, now work for the force.

Mr West said: "This is excellent news for communities across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Worcestershire, who will all benefit from an extra police presence on the streets, particularly as more new recruits complete their initial training during the coming months.

"Having taken over my new role, I am determined that these additional resources will be used to their best effect to continue to improve the quality of life and levels of service for the communities we serve."

The force had pledged to recruit an extra 300 officers by April 2003 using funds made available through an increase in council tax.

West Mercia Police said that, 16 months after making the promise, a total of 380 officers have joined the force - 80 more than the original target.

One in three of the new recruits is an experienced officer who joined from another force.

Mr West added: "I wish to pay tribute to the tremendous work and commitment of all those involved in reaching our recruitment target."