West Midlands Police struggling to prepare for Brexit due to uncertainty

The force is holding weekly meetings and is trying its best to minimise the impact leaving the EU will have, but says it is struggling because it does not actually know what to prepare for – no deal or a transition period.

Both would have drastically different outcomes for the force, with one keeping current systems in place throughout a transition period while the other could see crime-fighting tools like the European Arrest Warrant disappear over night.

There are also concerns that, in the event of a no deal, crucial data files on wanted criminals and their movements could be deleted, with the legal framework they currently sit around no longer in existence.

Chief Constable Dave Thompson has admitted it would be easier on the force if there was a deal made with the European Union but played down fears over what impact a no deal Brexit might have.

He said: "The current deal the Prime Minister has put forward is the least disruptive for police forces. There would be problems with a no deal but we will be doing our best to make sure it works as best as possible."

He added that his force would almost certainly be called in to help other constabularies around the country, most likely those having to cover ports, in the event of no deal.

Mr Thompson was being quizzed at a police board meeting this morning alongside Superintendent Phil Dolby, who eluded to the problems the force was facing when it came to planning for life after Brexit.

He said: "We need some detail, some knowledge and some understanding on what's happening but that is eluding us all. All we can do at the moment is make plans and then turn them around if needed."

He added: "We do not know what we do not know."

The force's planning for Brexit is known as Operation Panga, of which Mr Dolby is the tactical commander.

He said there was no rise in recorded hate crimes because of Brexit, and there was no indication of any planned protests or disturbances in the region.

In fact the number of hate crimes has actually reduced in recent weeks, Mr Dolby said.

A report he prepared for the meeting, alongside assistant chief constable Chris Johnson, said: "West Midlands Police intelligence department scans for Brexit related intelligence on a daily basis and at this time, intelligence relating directly to Brexit is limited, both locally and nationally.

"West Midlands Police also monitors hate crime across the force. As a result of this monitoring, there is no increase in hate crime linked to Brexit."

Today's meeting was chaired by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, who is a strong supporter of a second referendum.

He said he was monitoring the hate crime situation 'very closely' and said he remains 'concerned' that his force could face a significant operational impact in the event of no deal.

He added: "It is clear that planning for Brexit is being held back by a lack of clarity from central government.

"There has so far been no major increase in hate crime offences, but I will be monitoring the situation very closely with the Chief Constable.

"I remain concerned that unless the government takes action there will be a significant operational impact on West Midlands Police and other law enforcement agencies across the country."