Today’s Express & Star covers my recent operation with Wolverhampton Police.
A few weeks ago, I joined police officers in Wolverhampton as we took to the streets on an operation with the force amid the recent shooting in Parkfields.
A man aged in his 30s, was shot in his foot in the Parkfields area of the city. Wolverhampton officers have stepped up their patrols in areas of the city where there are gang tensions. It was an eye-opening to join the force out on patrol. Many residents and constituents are extremely worried following the shooting in Ettingshall.
Despite tremendous pressures on the force including a dramatic reduction in police numbers over the last decade, I saw how dedicated Wolverhampton officers are in keeping our streets safe.
I do a lot of work with young people on stop and search so it was interesting be see the effectiveness of the tactic from the force’s point of view.
During the operation, a samurai sword (pictured) from was recovered from an individual.
Over the last ten years West Midlands Police force has seen a reduction of 2,000 officers and reductions in non-uniformed staff. Together with the increased terrorism threat and the recent rises in crime, this is placing the force under severe pressure.