On 12 December 2006, Sir Norman Bettison was announced as the new chief constable, replacing Colin Cramphorn and resigned from his post on 24 October 2012.

The first single police commander of the Bradford district, Chief Superintendent Simon Atkin, was appointed in October 2013 as part of ongoing moves to merge the district’s two policing divisions, while Chief Superintendent Angela Williams was appointed in Calderdale.

As of 2014[update], there are three PFI projects completed and as a result of these new buildings a number of police stations have closed and been sold.

[21] The existing operational support facilities at Carr Gate, Wakefield were expanded and new buildings constructed which provide centralised specialist training for the force in one location.

The new facility, which totals 20,000 m2 (220,000 square feet) includes: From November 2012 until May 2021, the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner was Mark Burns-Williamson.

In 2021, his role was abolished when Tracy Brabin was elected Mayor of West Yorkshire and assumed responsibility for the force.

Since 1900, the following officers of West Yorkshire Police are listed by the Trust as having died during the course of their duties in attempting to prevent, stop or solve a criminal act:[29]