West Midlands officers warned about discussing police chief's future as pressure grows to sack him
Mr Guildford has faced growing pressure to resign this week
Officers at West Midlands Police have been "warned" about speaking out on the future of their chief constable Craig Guildford amid rising pressure he should be sacked.
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Employees with the force have been sent an internal audit which said it would be "inappropriate and unprofessional" to discuss Mr Guildford's future.
The chief has faced growing calls to step down this week after it emerged he misled MPs over the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match against Aston Villa.
The information supplied by the AI tool provided details of a previous match which never actually took place. This then was used as the basis for the report which led to the ban.
Read more: Police chiefs told ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans at Aston Villa match was wrong
The audit sent to staff instructed them to tell the public that they "continue to police without fear or favour 24/7," and their focus is on keeping safe, according to The Times.
On Wednesday, Mr Guildford faced increasing pressure to be sacked, with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp telling LBC what the police chief did was "appalling."
Mr Philp told Tonight with Andrew Marr: "Craig Guildford, the Chief Constable, does have to go. If he doesn't resign, the Police and Crime Commissioner of the West Midlands, Simon Foster, should fire him."
The briefing sent to officers warned rank-and-file police officers that they must not speak to the public about Guildford’s position.
If asked whether they think Guildford should be sacked, or if they have lost confidence in him, the briefing said they should respond: "It would be inappropriate and unprofessional to discuss the future of anyone else within the organisation.
"As a serving member of WMP, my focus, alongside colleagues, is on doing everything possible to keep the people of the West Midlands safe and prevent crime."
If asked if the force could be trusted, or if it lied, they should respond that "we're here to help you," according to The Times.
If quizzed if WMP was wrong to ban the Israeli fans, they should respond that “I can’t comment further than the statement which has been issued on behalf of my force."
Lastly, if asked if the force is racist, officers are told to reply that they treat everyone equally.
Responding to the revelations on Wednesday, West Midlands PCC Simon Foster said he would await a parliamentary report over the matter before considering Mr Guildford's position.
Mr Foster said: "I acknowledge, recognise and understand the significant strength of feeling that is shared by many people, including myself, in connection with this contentious issue.
"It is my statutory duty to hold the Chief Constable to account for the totality of policing in the West Midlands.
"In order to give all these issues full and proper consideration, I will be taking this matter to a meeting of my accountability and governance board, held in public, on Tuesday 27 January 2026 and asking questions of the Chief Constable.
"In consideration of these matters, it is vital that all involved act in accordance with due process and the law at all times."
He added that the letter is not the final watchdog report and describes how Sir Andy's views "may develop or change as more information is gathered."