Former head of Shropshire CID appointed the county's new police commander
The former head of Shropshire CID has been appointed the county's new police commander.
Superintendent James Tozer is one of the most experienced senior officers in West Mercia Police. He has held a variety of key roles throughout the force during almost 20 years police service.
Superintendent Tozer returns to Shrewsbury police station on Monday as commander of Shropshire Territorial Policing Unit.
He is currently in charge of Intelligence in West Mercia's Protective Services Command. His previous roles include commander of the Telford & Wrekin TPU, head of the Force Intelligence Department and Detective Chief Inspector, running the CID department in Shropshire.
"I am looking forward to returning to Shropshire and working from Shrewsbury police station again," said Superintendent Tozer. "Having previously worked in the county, I am familiar with the area and the challenges it can pose".
One of his main priorities will be to continue working to drive down crime, as well as tackling anti-social behaviour and other issues which affect the local community.
"To this end, we will be working hard with our partner agencies, but most importantly, it is our communities who can help. To enforce the law and help keep our communities safe, we need their support".
He added: "I know our communities are on our side, supporting and helping the police to tackle the small minority of people intent on causing misery to others through their criminal or anti-social behaviour. No-one can do all this on their own so I want to make sure, that together, we are tackling the people, places and problems that will make the greatest difference."
James takes over from Superintendent Pete Lightwood who has been promoted to Chief Superintendent in temporary charge of West Mercia's Territorial Policing Command.
Shropshire is the largest of the five Territorial Policing Units in West Mercia with five districts - Oswestry, North, South, Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury - and serves a population of 292,800. There are 43 local policing teams supported by response and specialist police officers, police staff and Special Constables.
