WEST Mercia's chief constable will be "held to account" by the region's police and crime commissioner in their latest public meeting.

Chief constable Anthony Bangham will face questions from PCC John Campion, who will discuss how the force can ensure fair and equal treatment for all regardless of race, gender or other characteristics.

The PCC will ask how the force reacts to reports of hate crime and the diversity of West Mercia Police itself.

Mr Campion said: "Communities in West Mercia, I believe make it clear, that there is no room for discrimination in our society, this was evident in their reactions to the recent Black Lives Matter demonstrations.

"It is right that I, on behalf of the public, insist that its police force accurately represents the communities it serves.

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"Although, representation alone cannot fix larger societal issues, when deployed appropriately, it can provide reassurance to communities that equality and fairness is at the heart of policing.

"I want all our communities to have confidence in the police to respond appropriately to reports of hate crime, making it clear that there is no room for ignorance and discrimination in West Mercia.

"Even though we are still experiencing some disruption from the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s imperative that communities feel that the force is transparent and that senior officers are accessible and available to hear their comments and questions.

"I would encourage communities to get involved and take the opportunity to raise questions and concerns."

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The Safer West Mercia Plan sets a priority that West Mercia Police should represent the community it serves by reflecting the demography in its workforce, to give confidence to the public that communities are genuinely reflected within the recruitment, retention and promotion of officers.

This is vital to ensuring that the public can trust that the force is a true reflection of the society we live in.

The public are invited to submit questions during the Facebook livestream which takes place at 6pm on Monday, July 13, or in advance before 5pm on Sunday, July 12.

Questions can be submitted on Facebook, @WestMerciaPCC, or via email in advance to getinvolved@westmercia.pnn.police.uk