BBC WM Hardtalk: Sharon Rowe

Interview by Steve Dyson BBC WM special correspondent and former Birmingham Mail editor

The Assistant Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Sharon Rowe, says Birmingham is leading the fight against terrorism after revealing more armed patrols will roam the streets.

Speaking to BBC WM's Steve Dyson, Ms Rowe said the city had been chosen to help prevent any attack like the ones on the Indian city of Mumbai in 2008.

Ms Rowe joined West Midlands Police in April 2009 after 25 years in London.

She described her first 18 months in the job as "very, very hectic."

Hard Talk with Steve Dyson - Sharon Rowe: Part 1

Since joining the force West Midlands police Ms Rowe has dealt with 10 major incidents.

These include the Papal visit, the Conservative Party Conference, the high risk visits of the presidents of Pakistan and Somalia and three English Defence League protests.

During the interview Ms Rowe told Steve Dyson the police would have to work hard to regain trust with the communities in Sparkbrook and Sparkhill over the controversial spy cameras and Project Champion.

Hard Talk with Steve Dyson - Sharon Rowe: Part 2

Sharon Rowe has over 25 years experience in the police force including 10 years as a uniformed constable and time in charge of policing in Lamberth in South London, one of the worst areas for crime in the country.

She says she went for promotion because "I realised I could do it better".

During her interview on BBC WM she talked about her experience as the most senior police officer in the West Midlands force and about her desire for possible promotion.