New chief constable appointed to succeed Paul West

David Shaw, who will succeed Paul West as Chief Constable in August West Mercia Police Authority has selected a new Chief Constable to succeed Paul West, subject to Ministerial approval.

West Mercia Police Authority Chairman, Sheila Blagg, said. "We are delighted to announce the appointment of David Shaw as the new Chief Constable of West Mercia.

"David will continue to be a great asset to the force. He is an outstanding candidate and his track record with West Mercia has been exemplary. He has headed our current restructuring process to deliver savings and will now be advising the Authority on the possibility of developing a Strategic Alliance with Warwickshire Police, which it is hoped will enable further efficiency savings to be realised."

David joined West Mercia in September 2008. He will take up the new post on 1 August 2011.

He said: "I have been very privileged to serve in this force as Deputy Chief Constable and even more privileged to have been selected as Chief Constable to continue to serve the people of West Mercia.

"This force faces considerable challenges in light of the financial situation. However I'm sure that together with the excellent team we have in West Mercia and working with the Police Authority we can continue to maintain West Mercia as one of the safest places in the country in which to live and work.

"I very much look forward to working with our partners and to leading a very committed and dedicated team of police officers and police staff."

David began his career with West Midlands Police, serving in a wide range of areas, before rising to the rank of Assistant Chief Constable in 2005. His varied career involves uniform operations but also includes work within Operational Planning and as a Detective Chief Inspector (crime manager). He also spent two years as commander at the Queens Road Operational Command Unit in Aston, Birmingham.

Paul West retires from the force on 31 July this year having served as Chief Constable since 2003. He is the longest serving Chief Constable in the force's history.

He commented: "I was absolutely delighted to hear the news that David has been successful in his application to succeed me as Chief Constable of West Mercia Police. Since his arrival in 2008, David has been a fantastic asset to the force, has brought huge levels of energy to his role as Deputy Chief Constable and has been a great personal support to me in the many challenges we have faced and continue to face.

"Having worked very closely with him for almost three years, I know that David has the best interests of everyone in the force and in the communities that we serve at the forefront of his mind in all that he does. I wish him every success for the future."