Saturday, 31 May 2008

PRESS RELEASE

The Chief Constable announces a change of policy

The Chief Constable of Staffordshire, Chris Sims, announced a change of policy at the 25th Annual Banquet of the Peel Society at Drayton Manor on Friday, 30th May.

Left to right:- The Mayor of Tamworth, Cllr. Brian Beale, The Mayoress, Mrs Val Beale, The Chief Constable, Mr Chris Sims, (Holding a newly acquired Parian bust of Peel), Mrs Mavis Biggs, Committee Member and Mr Norman Biggs, Chairman.

Mr Sims was guest of honour at the Peel Society Banquet.  In his speech he praised the clarity of Sir Robert Peel in drafting the Metropolitan Police Act in 1829, which has stood the test of time.  Sometimes this clarity has been muddied, so that the essentials of policing are obscured.

He is proud of leading a force which is considered to be one of the most efficient in the country because they tick the right boxes.  However, he is uncertain whether this administrative efficiency is reflected in the public perception of the police in Staffordshire.  Do people today in Staffordshire feel that that "peace, prosperity and security" that Peel thought was the purpose of his new police force in 1829 apply in 2008?  Mr Sims rather feared it didn't and is now to reinforce the efforts of the Staffordshire police towards solving major crime rather than ticking boxes.

The Chairman, Norman Biggs outlined the progress that the Society is making in achieving its aim of a permanent place with rooms at Middleton Hall for the unique collection of Peel memorabilia including many items from the closed Staffordshire Police Museum.

The Mayor, Councillor Brian Beale, proposed the health of the Queen and Nigel Morris, Vice Chairman, proposed the vote of thanks to the Chief Constable.

There were a number of new acquisitions on show for the first time.

End