WEST Mercia Police chief constable Pippa Mills has announced she will leave the force to take on an assistant commissioner role within the Metropolitan Police.

Before joining West Mercia Police in September 2021, chief constable Mills served as deputy chief constable for Essex Police.

Her career in law enforcement began with the Metropolitan Police.

Throughout her tenure at West Mercia Police, chief constable Mills achieved milestones such as increasing the number of officers to nearly 2500, and reducing crime rates, leading to fewer victims and a higher rate of criminals being brought to justice.

Chief constable Mills said: “It has been an incredible privilege to serve the communities of the three beautiful counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.

Whilst I am, of course, pleased with the opportunity it is bittersweet as I am leaving an incredible force, made of 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.”

Police and crime commissioner, John Campion, will now commence the process of finding an interim chief constable to fill the vacant position.

The start date for chief constable Mills' new role in London is yet to be confirmed.