Date: Thursday 18 June 2015

Dear KIN member

Three months ago we updated you on the latest developments on our partnership with
Accenture.
At that time we unveiled our WMP2020 Blueprint developed in consultation with colleagues,
partners and the public. It sets out how we will look feel and operate by 2020 and is in essence
a new operating model for the force.
Earlier this week the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) approved the first steps in an
intensive programme of work set to bring that Blueprint to life over the next five years.
Cyber crime, bodyworn cameras, the reshaping of local policing, contact with the public and
the investigation of crime all feature, aimed at creating a more agile and digitally capable force
equipped to fight and prevent crime.
Im really confident that this programme of work will find the changes in working practice that
we need and the savings we are required to make over the next five years.
From the outset I knew that with something as big and strategic as this programme of work that
I would not be around to see the end point.
Yesterday I informed the PCC that sometime early in the New Year I will be moving on from my
current post as Chief Constable to face new challenges elsewhere.
I want to say what a fantastic privilege it has been to serve the communities of the West
Midlands during my tenure as Chief Constable and to have been part of the force for over 17
years.
I want to reassure you that I am going to use the remaining time I have with the force to make
sure the transition from me to the next Chief Constable is as smooth as it can possibly be and
that WMP doesnt take any break at all from its journey towards being the best force in the
country.
One of the first projects we will be looking at, as part of the programme of work to transform
WMP, is how to make the force more mobile so we can respond more quickly and proactively to
emerging crime trends.
The overall programme of work is also looking at how we can form stronger links with partner
agencies such as local authorities and our communities.
Working with Accenture we have developed a programme of work outlining the first two years
of the change programme.

Serving our communities, protecting them from harm

www.west-midlands.police.uk

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There are currently nine main programmes with 33 projects all working to deliver the Blueprint.
This is very much work in progress with the first two years of the plan laying the foundations for
the future ensuring we have the in-house capabilities to become a more digitally able and
mobile force by 2020.
Broad themes of the programme cover improving the deployment of officers, connecting with
the public in a more meaningful way, updating outdated and inefficient systems and working
closer with partners.
We will also be looking at improving the deployment of officers and speeding up investigations
by overhauling and updating the technology they have access to.
This is all geared up to allow us to continue to provide a first class service to our communities
from 2020 and beyond.
The changes come at a time when we continue to operate within a framework of
unprecedented financial challenge.
The force has faced a considerable period of austerity with a budget reduction of 23 per cent
since 2010. This trend is set to continue.
I am though clear that even without austerity this programme of work is necessary to
modernise policing, making it fit for the 21st century.
The existing force operating model will be unsustainable by 2020 which is one of the reasons
why we have embarked on this ambitious transformational programme.
It is also equally important that we can respond to and police the changing needs of our
communities.
To do that we need to develop our own use of technology in order to improve the service we
deliver - that is at the heart of the changes we intend to make.
We will continue to update you on this important programme of work as it develops. If you
have any questions please do contact your local policing unit commander.
You can find out more about WMP2020 by visiting our website:
www.west-midlands.pnn.police.uk

Chris Sims
Chief Constable

Serving our communities, protecting them from harm

www.west-midlands.police.uk

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