The sudden resignation of West Midlands Police Chief Constable David Thompson has raised eyebrows across the region. While the initial trigger was his handling of a football match incident, the underlying issues appear to be far more complex.
The controversy stemmed from an incident at a match between Aston Villa and Birmingham City in October 2022. Thompson faced criticism for the police’s response, which allegedly excluded a significant portion of the Birmingham City fan base from the stadium. This decision was met with outrage from supporters and sparked a wider debate about the force’s relationship with the local community.
However, sources close to the investigation suggest that the football match incident was merely the catalyst for a broader examination of Thompson’s leadership. In the weeks following the match, allegations of misconduct and inappropriate behaviour within the force began to surface.
“There were concerns raised about the chief constable’s conduct and the overall culture within the West Midlands Police,” said a senior Home Office official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “These issues went beyond the specific football match incident and prompted a more comprehensive review of his tenure.”
The review, conducted by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), is said to have uncovered a pattern of behaviour that was deemed unacceptable for a senior police official. While the exact details of the allegations have not been made public, it is understood that they ranged from inappropriate use of resources to concerns about the treatment of staff.
In a statement, Thompson acknowledged the findings of the IOPC investigation and announced his immediate resignation, stating that he believed it was in the best interest of the force and the community he had served for over three decades.
“I am deeply saddened to be leaving West Midlands Police, an organisation that I have dedicated my career to,” Thompson said. “However, I recognise that the issues raised during the investigation have undermined the trust and confidence that the public and my colleagues should have in the force’s leadership.”
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, expressed his disappointment at the turn of events but emphasised the importance of maintaining public trust in the police force.
“While the circumstances surrounding Chief Constable Thompson’s departure are regrettable, we must now focus on ensuring a smooth transition and restoring confidence in the West Midlands Police,” Foster said. “The public deserves a police force that operates with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and we are committed to achieving that.”
The search for a new chief constable is now underway, with the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel expected to play a key role in the selection process. The incoming leader will face the challenge of addressing the concerns raised during the investigation and rebuilding the force’s relationship with the local community.
