Fed congratulates the Force's new ACCs on their appointments

25 August 2023

West Midlands Police Federation deputy chair Jase Dooley has congratulated the Force’s new assistant chief constables (ACCs) on their appointments.

The Force has announced the appointment of four new ACCs following “a challenging selection process”.

Detective Superintendent Damian Barratt will join the Force from West Mercia Police and will have responsibility for the security portfolio. Damian, who has 28 years’ experience, will help lead and shape the regional serious and organised crime response along with regional and national counterterrorism leadership.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jennie Mattinson will move from Staffordshire Police where, after 18 months of temporary ACC duties, she leads on public protection.

Jennie Mattinson smile in police uniform

Detective Chief Superintendent Jennie Mattinson

Jennie has 22 years’ service with an extensive portfolio of operational command experience in public protection, local policing, crime and change management. She will head up the crime portfolio in West Midlands Police.

Temporary ACC Matt Welsted has been on secondment with West Midlands Police from Cheshire Constabulary, where he was a temporary ACC for three years. Matt, who has 27 years’ service, will retain his current portfolio which includes contact, change and digital.

Temporary ACC Mike O’Hara has led Force Operations in the West Midlands after having been a local policing commander at Coventry during his 25 years’ service.

He leads a number of regional collaborations and working groups and supports the national firearms portfolio in helping develop command and specialist firearms training delivery in the West Midlands. He will remain in his current post.

Jase said: “I’d like to congratulate our four new assistant chief constables on their appointments.

“The Federation already has a good working relationship with ACC O’Hara and look forward to continuing that now he’s been formally appointed.

Temporary ACC Mike O’Hara

“And that’s the same with ACC Welsted, who will continue his hard work on the Force’s change programme.

“And we’d like to extend a warm welcome to ACC Mattinson and ACC Barratt, and wish all four the very best in their roles.”

Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “These appointments will continue to build upon our new local policing model where we are answering more calls for service, arresting more suspects, investigating more offences, charging more people and responding to local issues with local officers in order to keep the public safe.

“My new colleagues will lead big business areas where change is constant, demand is unstinting and the workforce are eager to serve. West Midlands Police has some exceptionally capable officers and staff of all backgrounds. What better a diverse challenge could one wish for professionally as a newly appointed assistant chief constable.”