Commisioner plans for 100 new police volunteers

The county’s police and crime commissioner Ron Ball, who has recently been appointed to the national Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), proposed that the force take on 100 new special constables while at a police and crime panel meeting.

Mr Ball also asked for the police precept of council tax for householders across the county to be frozen for the next year - and the panel approved his suggestion.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “When I was running for the role, I felt that there should be no need to raise the precept if we took full advantage of any savings that could be made through the strategic alliance with West Mercia. Having now reviewed the force’s financial position, I am confident that this is the right decision for the service and for local people.”

Mr Ball has also spoken out in defence of police officers, following a report by the Home Affairs Select Committee that criticised police forces’ behaviour with regard to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

He said: “We should be proud of the men and women who protect all of us. The recent and relentless criticism of our police officers is undermining morale, sapping confidence and not helping in the fight against crime. We need a refreshed understanding of policing in the 21st century.”