THE CHIEF Constable of West Midlands Police has retired from the force today (Friday January 16).
Chief Constable Craig Guildford has served with the force since December 2022, after starting his policing career in 1992 as a Special Constable.
Referring to controversy over the ban of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match at Aston Villa in November, he said: “I have come to the conclusion that the political and media frenzy around myself and my position has become detrimental to all the great work undertaken by my officers and staff in serving communities across the West Midlands.
“I have carefully considered my position and concluded that retirement is in the best interests of the organisation, myself and my family.
“It has been the honour of my career serving as the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police.
“With the force’s dedicated and hard-working workforce, together we have turned this force around. I therefore want to take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding level of service that this force provides to the public. I know this will continue, thanks to all of the officers, staff and volunteers who work for WMP who all strive to keep the public safe.
“I would also like to thank all of the communities of the West Midlands for your support. I will greatly miss the incredible people I have had the privilege to meet, work with and serve across the region.”
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has appointed former Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green as Acting Chief Constable, and Jen Mattinson as Acting Deputy Chief Constable.
Mr Foster said Mr Guildford had ‘acted with honour and in the best interests of West Midlands Police’.
He added: “I am pleased this outcome has been reached having regard to due process and the law. That has prevented what might otherwise have been a complex procedure, that would have caused significant distraction, impact and cost to West Midlands Police and the wider West Midlands. It was important this matter was resolved in a balanced, calm, fair, measured and respectful manner.
“The Chief Constable’s retirement follows the decision of the Birmingham City Council Safety Advisory Group, based on the recommendation of West Midlands Police, to ban away fans from attending the Europa League football match between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6, 2025.
“West Midlands Police have been subjected to understandable intense and significant oversight and scrutiny as a consequence of events that led to the recommendation it made to the Safety Advisory Group.
“That has included the letter from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary that was published as recently as Wednesday January 14, that set out significant preliminary concerns and shortcomings in relation to preparation and planning by West Midlands Police.
“It is important that I acknowledge the many positive achievements and contributions that Craig Guildford has made to policing within the West Midlands during the course of his three year tenure as Chief Constable. As Police and Crime Commissioner and on behalf of the people of the West Midlands, I thank him for his service.
“I have today appointed Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green, as the Acting Chief Constable. We have already met, to discuss the actions that the force must take to re-build trust and confidence amongst all the people and communities of the West Midlands, including addressing the significant matters identified in the letter from HMIC.
“The Acting Chief Constable and I are committed to working together, to prevent and tackle crime, bring offenders to justice, promote the rights and welfare of victims and ensure the safety and security of the people and communities of the West Midlands.”
