The county’s chief constable will be leaving after two years to take up a new role at the Metropolitan Police.

Pippa Mills, who became the first female chief constable of West Mercia Police in September 2021, will be leaving Worcestershire to take up a new role in London as assistant commissioner of the Met.

Ms Mills said it was “bittersweet” to be leaving West Mercia Police.

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve the communities of the three beautiful counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire,” she said.

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“Whilst I am, of course, pleased with the opportunity it is bittersweet as I am leaving an incredible force, made up of officers, staff and volunteers that are passionate and dedicated to delivering a quality policing service and protecting people from harm.

“In my two years here, the police service nationally has faced some of the biggest ever challenges and that’s why I’m particularly proud that we have maintained high levels of public confidence levels in the force.

“During my time here, I have been committed to ensuring we listen to the needs of our communities, that you know who your local policing teams are and that you have genuine trust and confidence in them and in the wider force. We have made strides forward and I know this work will continue.

“The local communities, and my colleagues here in West Mercia, can be certain that the force will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Ms Mills joined West Mercia after leaving her role as deputy chief constable of Essex Police.

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An interim chief constable will now be selected ahead of the search for a permanent replacement.

A start date for the chief constable’s new position in London has not yet been confirmed.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion thanked Ms Mills for her service.

“I wish her the best of luck in her new role as she returns to the Met,” he said. “I know her experience from West Mercia will stand her in good stead to address the significant challenges the Met faces.

“In due course I will be considering options around her successor, to ensure both interim and permanent leadership is identified with a clear focus on making sure that West Mercia’s communities receive the best possible policing services, now and in the future.”