Call 0845 113 5000 for all non-emergencies and enquiries
About the Department
The department is one of the busiest police press offices in the country, dealing with an average of 280 calls per day from the media.
The office services regional, national and weekly newspapers as well as radio and TV stations. Most of the national media also have correspondents based in the West Midlands and there are a number of major freelance agencies.
As well as responding to daily news issues, the department deals with an increasing demand in documentary requests. It is responsible for internal and external marketing such as the production of leaflets and posters and regularly updates the internet and intranet sites.
The department is staffed by experienced press and public relations officers, many of whom who are former journalists, and staff are on call 24 hours a day to respond to major issues.
The department is split into three main sections: news, public relations and administration.
The aims of the department are:
- To inspire confidence in West Midlands Police
- To provide a source of expertise and to support our staff in all matters concerning press and public relations
- To be open, accessible and accountable in providing information to the community and the media
- To reassure the public, reduce the fear of crime and to reduce crime and disorder by promoting campaigns and initiatives in line with key priorities, specifically targeting Priority Neighbourhoods
- To develop press and public relations capacity within West Midlands Police
- To support corporacy in communications
- To provide and develop internal and external communications products, such as News Beat, the intranet, the internet and newsletters