West Midlands Police

Sergeant Jon Benjamin talks about the importance of representation in policing and shares his own personal experiences during #BlackHistoryMonth. Jon grew up in #Birmingham and, like many others, didn’t see police officers who looked like him. That lack of representation stuck with him. It made him question whether he could ever belong in a role like that. But instead of letting it hold him back, Jon decided to become the change he wanted to see. He joined West Midlands Police in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But his dream started long before that. As a child, Jon always wanted to follow in his mum’s footsteps. She had served in the police for two years in the early 1980s which was a very different time. Her career ended when she became pregnant with Jon’s sister, but her stories stayed with him. She spoke openly about the challenges she faced, especially the judgement and pressure she received for being in a relationship with a Jamaican man. It wasn’t easy for her and Jon knew that. That’s why he felt so strongly about picking up where she left off - not just to make his mum proud, but to show her how far things had come. Jon’s mum is of Irish heritage, and his dad - who sadly passed away just before Jon was born - was from Clarendon, Jamaica. His mum raised Jon and his siblings on her own, in a tough environment with limited resources. But she gave them everything she could: love, discipline, and a strong belief in education and hard work. As Jon got older, he realised that if he wanted to see real change in policing, he had to be part of it. And that’s exactly what he did. Before stepping into his current role as Police Race Action Plan (PRAP) Co-ordinator for WMP, Jon worked as a neighbourhood Sergeant in Solihull. He saw firsthand how powerful it is when people see someone in uniform who looks and sounds like them. “It builds trust,” he says. “It breaks down barriers.” But for Jon, representation isn’t just about wearing the uniform. “It’s about being unapologetically yourself,” he explains. “It’s about embracing your culture, your history, and your identity and sharing that with the communities you serve. That’s how we build rapport. That’s how we show we’ve been there.” One moment that really stood out for Jon happened earlier this year at a community event celebrating the Windrush generation. There was a personal acknowledgement of the work police officers have done and it made Jon feel proud. “It reminded me why I do this.” he says. “It was a moment of connection, of progress, and of pride.” Jon’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to change who you are to make a difference. In fact, being yourself - fully and unapologetically - is what makes the biggest impact. So if you’ve ever wondered whether you belong, Jon has a message for you: You do. And your voice, your story, and your presence matter more than you know.

#RECRUITMENT | Meet our newest PCSOs 👮♂️👮♀️ We proudly welcomed 20 new Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to the force as they officially passed out at our Tally Ho! training centre. It was a day filled with pride and celebration. Proud friends and family gathered to cheer on their loved ones as they received their certificates and prepared to begin their journey across our Local Policing Areas (LPAs). Our new PCSOs are now ready to be the friendly, reassuring presence in communities helping to keep people safe, build trust, and support those who need it most. Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster joined T/Superintendent Sarah Tambling and Inspector Hanif Ullah at the parade earlier this month, sharing words of encouragement and congratulations. Could this be you? 🤔 If you’ve ever thought about doing something that really matters - something that gives back to your community and changes lives - this could be your moment. There’s still time to get your application in to become a police officer or PCSO. If you’re looking for a fresh start, a new challenge, and a career with real purpose, policing offers all of that and more. Ready to take that next step? Visit 👉 https://orlo.uk/sHjOw

#RECRUITS | It was a proud day for our latest cohort of officers who celebrated their passing out parade at Tally Ho! Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Supt Gareth Mason, welcomed the new recruits on Friday (3 Oct) and were joined by their proud families and friends to mark the successful completion of their training period. Also, in attendance was our Head of Training, T/Superintendent Sarah Tambling and West Midlands High Sheriff, Mark Lydon- Smith. The new officers were made up of those who joined through the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and members from our Special Constable cohort. They will now be posted onto placements across our local policing areas and begin their journey of keeping our communities safe.

Ready for a new challenge beyond your usual 9 to 5? Always dreamed of joining the police? Why not volunteer your time as a Special Constable? Make a real difference in your community while gaining unique skills and experiences. Learn more at our Specials Discovery day, where you can: ✅ Meet our current Special Constables ✅ Ask questions about the role and training ✅ Explore the history and impact of the Special Constabulary ✅ Get support with your application Find out more and register your interest 👉 https://orlo.uk/8gJoV

#JobAlert | We’re looking for a sergeant to transfer into WMP and our new Mounted unit 🐴 Applicants should have completed their standard equine course and have recent riding experience. 📍 You’ll be based at our Tally Ho! site in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham but serve the whole of the West Midlands. You will also work across the country when required. For more details and to apply, visit 👉 https://orlo.uk/WoPMF 🗓️ The deadline for applications is Thursday 9 October 2025

#WATCH | Chief Constable Craig Guildford has officially opened Aldridge’s new police base. Located in the town’s fire station, the facility is home to the Aldridge and Brownhills neighbourhood policing teams. The new base on Northgate keeps officers in the heart of the communities they serve, while moving them closer to the part of the town which has higher demand for their services. Opening the facility, Chief Constable Guildford was joined by chief fire officers. Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “Operationally and financially, this was a decision made some time ago which I reviewed and endorsed as Chief Constable. It is people we employ who help keep community safe, not how many bricks we own. “The new base retains a local presence in a much more cost-effective way for local partners and the public purse.” Aldridge police base has been listed for closure since 2018 when the Police and Crime Commissioner agreed to the Chief Constable’s recommendation to dispose of the site. That decision was carefully scrutinised in a public meeting and the plans openly communicated. Cash from the sale of the building has paid for the move and changes inside the fire station to make it suitable for police use. The remaining funds have been reinvested into policing. Bloxwich police station remains the borough’s policing headquarters. It includes a public contact office where people can talk to us face-to face. The majority of people prefer to get advice and report crime 24/7 via our website or by calling us on 101. Simon Tuhill, Chief Fire Officer for West Midlands Fire Service, said: “I’m confident this partnership will bring lasting benefits to our teams and the communities we serve. It will help both services optimise resources and reduce costs to improve service for our communities. “By working together, we also enhance our approach to risk management. Such cooperation means we can deliver faster, more integrated responses to incidents. “It will foster a stronger understanding of each service’s operations, enabling more effective mutual support.” Crime in the area is down compared to 2024. Current priorities for the town’s neighbourhood policing team include preventing theft from shops, reducing antisocial behaviour and stopping drug dealing. The new Aldridge police base brings the total of WMP offices in WMFS stations to six. The Police and Crime Commissioner owns all West Midlands Police buildings. The Chief Constable is responsible for how we use those buildings, to enable police officers to keep people safe. Find out more 👉 https://orlo.uk/HwztR

#REMEMBRANCE | Dozens of current and former police officers joined together in Coventry today as West Midlands Police hosted the National Police Memorial Day service. The service, which honours those who have served as police officers nationwide, was attended by representatives from police forces throughout the country. A procession carrying the WMP standard, as well as force standards from the country's other police forces, walked from Coventry Central Police Station in Little Park Street, down towards Broadgate and back round to Coventry Cathedral. There, a special memorial service was held to remember those who have served and lost their lives in the line of duty. The memorial service was especially poignant given the tragic loss of an officer while on duty in Northamptonshire earlier this week. Our thoughts are with the officer's family and friends, as well as with our colleagues from Northamptonshire Police. Officers from across the West Midlands took part, including our drones and dogs, as well as Bruce, our newest police horse. Bruce has transferred from Gloucestershire Constabulary and is officially the first horse in our new mounted unit. He is a seven-year-old Irish Draught Gelding with grey speckled markings and a distinctive white ‘sock’ on his rear right leg. West Midlands Police are currently training up officers for our new unit. This will enhance our ability to respond to major incidents and engage with our communities. Chief Constable Craig Guildford represented West Midlands Police alongside guests from police forces up and down the country and from the government. Since 2004, the National Police Memorial Day service has been held in different UK cities every year to remember those who have served as police officers throughout history. The annual service demonstrates to relatives, friends and colleagues of fallen officers that their sacrifice is not forgotten, annually recognising the dedication to duty and courage displayed by police officers.

Wishing everyone in the Jewish community a joyful Rosh Hashanah and a meaningful fast. Shannah Tovah and may you be inscribed for a good year ✨

#JOBALERT 🚨 | We’re looking for police constables to transfer into our new Mounted unit. Applicants should have completed their standard equine course and have recent riding experience. You’ll be based at our Tally Ho! site in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham but serve the whole of the West Midlands. You will also work across the country when required. For more details and to apply, visit 👉 https://orlo.uk/7qgFn The deadline for applications is Tuesday 23 September 2025.

#WATCH | Young people shaping the future of #Walsall Officers attended Walsall Council's second annual Youth Summit at Bescot Stadium. The day hosted 150 young people and youth workers to discuss topics of crime and safety. The joint initiative brought together partners from across the region to give children a voice and empower them to make changes in their area, starting with safe spaces. A safe space, otherwise known as a third place, is somewhere that a young person can go to feel safe and supported. It is somewhere different to their home [first place] or school [second place]. The workshop sessions highlighted the importance of getting kids off the street and into these safe venues, where they feel comfortable and valued, as well as the need for these locations to be welcoming and friendly to young people, who might be extremely vulnerable. West Midlands Police and Walsall Council will use findings from the youth summit to set up designated safe spaces, certified venues across the borough that will allow young people to drop in and use their services. Safe spaces will not be limited to youth clubs, but will include large organisations and business premises, like popular restaurant chains in the town. The initiative is one of many ways Walsall Police and council are contributing to #SaferStreetsSummer, our pledge to increase activity to reduce antisocial behaviour (ASB) and retail crime. PC Paul Benton, ASB officer for Walsall, said: “The event was a real success, and it was great to see so many young people engaging in the decisions we are making as a partnership. “It’s reassuring to hear so much of what Walsall Police do, is what young people want to see more of, for example visits to schools, engagement events and a visible presence in these safe spaces. “These findings will help us set up licensed safe spaces targeted at young people, increase patrols in areas where children report feeling unsafe, and regularly visit youth hubs to support vulnerable young people.” The day was completely youth-led, organised by young people for young people. Teenage ‘change makers’ hosted the event with a number of discussions and tabletop activities, and those attendees will be deciding the outcomes. The summit showcased local talent with performances from TikTok star Nayra J - the Kid from Walsall, aspiring rapper Neviah, teenage singers, and dancers from Walsall youth clubs. Fifteen-year-old performer Neviah explained: “I think it’s important that young people make these decisions for what they want to see for future, their children and their children’s children. “We are the change we want to see, and I aim to be that role model that kids don’t have right now in Walsall. “I already use the MLSS [Midland Langar Seva Society] music studio and they have a boxing gym there as well. Walsall has some amazing youth clubs, and setting up more safe spaces is only going to help us grow.” #SafeSpaces #StreetSafe