Police and Crime Commissioner sets out priorities for the year ahead
Focus on tackling violence, improving investigations and putting victims first
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has set out his priorities for 2026, with a focus on rebuilding community policing and tackling serious violence.
Speaking ahead of the New Year, Foster said preventing violence in all its forms would remain a key priority. “My priorities for 2026 are continuing to rebuild community policing, preventing and tackling violence, whether that’s violence against women and girls, sexual violence, youth violence and knife crime” he said.
He added that reducing deaths and serious injuries on the roads is also a major concern. “In particular, reducing the number of people who are tragically and unavoidably killed and seriously injured on roads” he said.
Alongside prevention work, Foster said improving policing standards is essential. “I also want to see West Midlands Police improving the quality of their investigations,” he said.
He stressed that victims must remain central to the justice system. “Making sure that the rights and welfare of victims are always at the very forefront of policing and the wider criminal justice system” he said.
Asked for a message to residents heading into the New Year, particularly those worried about knife crime, Foster offered reassurance. “As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am absolutely committed to constant and unremitting action to prevent and tackle crime, to promote community safety and to keep the people of the West Midlands safe and secure” he said.