Sir David Thompson

Sir David Thompson
Chief Constable West Midlands Police

The Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Sir David Thompson, received his Knighthood from Prince Charles at Windsor Castle (1 February). Mr Thompson was named in the New Year Honours 2021 in recognition of his services to policing over a 30-year career spanning Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and West Midlands Police.

The 53-year-old father-of-two – who joined our force in 2010 as Deputy Chief Constable before taking the top job six years later – said he was “genuinely humbled” to have been honoured. After news of the honour was announced, Mr Thompson said: “When I saw the nomination I thought about my grandparents and the lives and opportunities they had. Were they alive they would struggle to imagine that a member of their family only two generations on could have been awarded this honour.

“This has been possible because of the support of my family, specifically my parents, my wife and our children. Like any police family Carole and my girls have made sacrifices for policing. “It has also been possible because of policing and the people in it. I owe policing everything.”

The Chief Constable last week announced that he would be stepping down from the role later this year, after the Commonwealth Games. The search for his replacement began this week.

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, said: “I’m delighted Sir Dave Thompson’s hard work and achievements in policing have been recognised by the Palace with a Knighthood. “Running the largest police force outside of London, Sir Dave has one of the toughest jobs in the country and his experience and leadership has been invaluable. “He fully deserves the credit and recognition being given.”

From Simon Foster Police and Crime Commissioner

“Sir David Thompson has been an excellent public servant, during very challenging times for policing. He will continue to be Chief Constable until beyond the Commonwealth Games, but now is the right time to start the search for his successor. I wish Sir David all the very best in his future endeavours, after he leaves West Midlands Police as planned, later in the year.

“Chief Constable of West Midlands Police is one of the top jobs in British policing and I am keen to attract a wide and diverse field of candidates. The next Chief Constable will be responsible for working with me, to deliver my Police and Crime Plan and my pledge to rebuild community policing.” The Chief Constable of West Midlands Police is one of the most important jobs in British policing, heading-up the second largest force in England and Wales and serving a population of over 3 million people.

West Midlands Police 

West Midlands Police is the territorial police force responsible for policing the metropolitan county of West Midlands in England. The force covers an area of 348 square miles with 2.93 million inhabitants, which includes the cities of Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton and also the Black Country