Senior police officer set to become area commander in Staffordshire
A senior police officer in Staffordshire who has worked on crime investigations is set to become an area commander.
Chief Inspector Paul Talbot, who grew up in Stafford, will take on the role covering Tamworth after taking on various roles.
The officer has taken on serious crime investigation, roads policing and has helped officers support bereaved families.
And he has also completed a stint with West Midlands Police – during which he covered Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Ch Insp Talbot set up a dedicated family liaison bereavement unit after his experience policing the county's major roads.
"We looked at feedback from families and listened closely and understood we needed to make changes and professionalise this part of the job," he said.
"If you are dealing with families who are struggling with the death of a family member you have to be able to give them your total attention and support and ensure the information they receive is accurate and timely."
He was also one of the first family liaison officers (FLOs) in his traffic department – having joined the police in 1997.
The senior officer did a brief stint in retail at Fort in Birmingham before joining West Midlands Police – serving in Walsall and Wolverhampton, in neighbourhood and response roles.
Positive
He also served in traffic and regional crime, working on operations to target car thieves across the West Midlands.
Ch Insp Talbot had been working with Central Motorways Policing Group (CMPG), as investigations lead, before he made the switch back to his home county in 2017.
He will follow in the footsteps of Staffordshire Police's former area commander Ash Farrington by taking up his new role.
Ch Insp Talbot said: "I enjoyed my time in West Midlands Police but it was great to return to Staffordshire, where I live and grew up, to do the job I love doing.
"They’re big shoes to step into. Ash was a key member of the community here – well known and well respected.
"It’s great to take on a team with such a positive attitude and some great ideas.
"I bring a lot of experience, particularly in dealing with car crime and roads policing, but I’m here to listen to my team and my community.
"I value honesty and transparency and an environment where, if mistakes are made, we learn from them and get better."
