Students at Solihull College & University Centre have been given the rare opportunity to speak to a former chief constable for a real insight into modern policing.
Former West Midlands Chief Constable, Sir Dave Thompson, visited Blossomfield Campus to chat to students from courses including HNC/D Policing and the BA Criminology & Psychology degree (delivered in partnership with Birmingham Newman University).
Sir Dave Thompson discussed his career, the future of policing, the funding of the service and then answered students’ questions on a variety of subjects.
Policing lecturer at the College, Chris Thomas, organised the visit. He emphasised how beneficial the session was for students. He commented: “All our policing lecturers have worked in the police service, in fact we all served under Sir Dave Thompson! The students were able to ask him anything about his role and the complicated future of policing across the West Midlands. It was very insightful, and the students got a lot out of it. We had questions about mental health, the future of policing and whether officers should carry firearms. It was a great experience for them.”
Sir David Thompson was Chief Constable of the West Midlands force, the 2nd largest in the country from 2016 to 2022 and at various times in his career oversaw the National Gangs portfolio and the Criminal use of Firearms portfolio, where he led the UK’s response to gun crime.
