West Midlands Police has appointed two new Assistant Chief Constables to help lead the force moving forwards.

Chief Superintendent Jayne Meir has been promoted from within the Force, while Vanessa Jardine is arriving from Greater Manchester Police.
 
Jayne joined the force in 2016 as head of Wolverhampton neighbourhood police following more than 20 years with the Met; which included time within the counter terrorism unit and leading a team to tackle cyber-crime and internet fraud. She has most recently been head of intelligence and is keen to be part in the modernisation of the force to deal with future challenges. The 45-year-old said:

“This is an extremely proud moment for me and I am delighted to have been given this opportunity. I have been fortunate to be a police officer here for the last three years and to learn what a great place the West Midlands is with a range of diverse, welcoming communities.
 
“I am keen to continue the intervention and prevention work we have been doing; while continuing the digital and technology advances which help us better protect and serve the public."

Vanessa has spent 25 years with Greater Manchester and sampled some experience as an ACC, on secondment with Northumbria Police. The Chief Superintendent was a senior officer in helping to lead the force following the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017.
 
She previously headed up the public protection unit and helped in the transformation of the department to assist in providing the best support, and justice, for victims of domestic and sexual offences. Vanessa said:

“I am really looking forward to coming to the West Midlands; I have heard so many positives about the force and the region’s communities. I am keen to meet as many people as possible and learn about how I can help make a difference to help others.
 
“I hope my policing experiences will bring something new to the force and, working in partnership with other public services, we can do everything possible to protect and support everyone .”
 
The pair have been appointed following a series of assessments and interviews and are both due to be in post by the summer. Chief Constable, Dave Thompson, added:

“I am pleased to confirm that I have offered ACC posts to both Jayne and Vanessa. Both are outstanding candidates who will bring considerable value to the force. 
 
"The new ACCs will be appointed on different starting dates between now and the summer. From a budget point of view, this will not have any long term impact on the Chief Officer payroll budget for the year.”