Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis says the force is exploring opportunities to collaborate with other organisations where it benefits Staffordshire people.
Speaking to the BBC this morning, Mr Ellis explained why plans to join some of Staffordshire Police’s uniformed services with West Midlands Police were abandoned in April following a review he instigated.
However, both forces continue to collaborate to tackle terrorism and serious organised crime.
Mr Ellis said: “I’m all for collaboration. It’s about opening up opportunities but above all it’s about doing what’s right for Staffordshire and not simply doing something because it looks like we’re collaborating – it’s about collaborating in the right way.
“It could mean working with forces in other parts of the country – areas which have been out of bounds in the past and yet are much more similar to Staffordshire than the West Midlands – like Derbyshire, Cheshire and Warwickshire.
“This is all about working together with places that are the right fit. We’ve not shut the door on collaboration with the West Midlands but Staffordshire Police is unique and I want it to stay as Staffordshire Police.
“It’s about opening up to other similar forces, looking a bit wider, but above all making sure we do what’s right for Staffordshire to keeps costs down and push more money to the front line.
“Partnership is the way forward but only in the right circumstances, only where it’s equal, only where there’s a good fit and only where it suits Staffordshire.”
