West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson has extended Chief Constable Dave Thompson’s contract by two years to “give continuity of leadership” through the Commonwealth Games.

CC Thompson’s contract was due to expire in January 2021 - he will now serve until January 2023. PCC Jamieson made the announcement at his Strategic Policing and Crime Board this morning (Tuesday 18th February).

His current annual salary is approximately £199,300.

The Commonwealth Games in 2022 and Coventry City of Culture in 2021 are expected to be one of the biggest security challenges ever faced by West Midlands Police. PCC Jamieson wants to ensure there is an experienced leader at the head of the policing of both events. 
 
PCC Jamieson said: “The last few years have been incredibly challenging for West Midlands Police, our budget has shrunk at the same time as the demands we face are going through the roof. Dave Thompson has faced these challenges and managed them well.
 
“The Chief Constable is committed to delivering my plan of putting more officers into neighbourhood policing to help us tackle crime head-on.
 
“Dave Thompson has been a tough Chief Constable for tough times. He is upfront about the challenges the force faces, has always given me good advice and never been afraid to speak honestly to government.

Before joining West Midlands Police in 2010 as Deputy Chief Constable, CC Thompson commanded the main policing operations for the 2002 Commonwealth Games at the City of Manchester Stadium including the opening and closing ceremonies.
 
He was appointed by PCC Jamieson in 2016, was awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal in 2014 for services to policing.
 
CC Thompson said: “It has been my privilege to serve the people of the diverse and exciting West Midlands as Chief Constable and am delighted that I will continue do so at an exciting time for the West Midlands with Coventry City of Culture next year and Birmingham hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2022 putting the region on the international stage.”

He added: “I am looking forward to using the extra officers the force will be see over the next few years to drive down crime and make the public even safer.”