Police aiming to improve safety for vulnerable

Police in the county have vowed to improve the way they protect vulnerable members of society.

West Mercia Police said it has set out a target of 2020 to become an “exemplar” force on the issue.

It said it is adopting the approach taken by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), of having a single Vulnerability Strategy and delivery plan.

The West Mercia and Warwickshire Police Alliance has adopted the following definition for vulnerability: ‘a person is vulnerable if, as a result of their situation or circumstances they are unable to take care of, or protect themselves or others, from harm or exploitation’.

The force said it recognises that 80 per cent of incidents it attends involves people who are vulnerable because of their situation or circumstances.

Andrew Gough, community safety partnership officer, said: “The CSP recognises that early identification of vulnerability is of the utmost importance.
“But it is also clear that if we can reduce vulnerable people’s exposure to harm this will also have a significant impact and is likely to reduce harm and demand.
“In the past, the West Mercia Police response to vulnerability was limited to an approach focused on identified groups of people, with the services we provide tailored to each category or community.

“Although this can work, a more holistic ‘whole vulnerability’ approach is required to ensure that all circumstances are taken into account and that the provision of service is consistent and tailored to individual needs.

“To this end, the West Mercia Police will aim to deliver a programme of key developments, which will include the following: to work closely with statutory partners and non-governmental agencies to provide a ‘multi-service response’ in the best interest of the individual; to develop an effective outcomes culture where early intervention / prevention actions by staff are duly recognised.

“We will also consider the vulnerability of any person we come into contact with and respond accordingly to reduce the victimisation of the most vulnerable people.”