PEEL: Police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy 2018/19 – group 3 force press releases

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of Avon and Somerset Constabulary and found it to be performing well across all areas. In 2018/19, HMICFRS adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines, into a single annual inspection, a review of the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL for each force.

Inspectors found that Avon and Somerset Constabulary:

• is ‘good’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• is ‘outstanding’ at operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• is ‘good’ at how it treats the public and its workforce.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said:

“I am very pleased with the performance of Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

“The constabulary is good at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour. It is also good at investigating crime and tackling serious and organised crime. It identifies and responds well to incidents involving vulnerable people and works effectively with other agencies to protect them.

“The constabulary is ambitious in its planning for the future and wants to be at the forefront of innovative practice. I am very impressed with its use of technology to understand changing demand. It uses this information very well to influence its development of finance and workforce plans for the future.

“Senior leaders ensure that the workforce understands the importance of treating the public and each other with fairness and respect. The constabulary continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote the standards of professional behaviour it expects.

“Overall, I congratulate Avon and Somerset Constabulary for its excellent performance over the past year. I am confident that it is well equipped for this to continue.”

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of Bedfordshire Police and found it to be performing well across all areas. In 2018/19, HMICFRS adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines, into a single annual inspection, a review of the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL for each force.

Inspectors found that Bedfordshire Police:

• is ‘good’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• is ‘good’ at operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• is ‘good’ at how it treats the public and its workforce.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Matt Parr said:

“I am very pleased with Bedfordshire Police’s performance in keeping people safe and reducing crime. In particular, I note the improvements the force has made since 2017 in its efficiency and effectiveness.

“Since our last inspection, the force has improved how it prevents and investigates crime. It has also developed better ways to make sure that it identifies and protects vulnerable people. The force has improved some of its crime recording processes but still has more work to do.

“The force has a good understanding of the current demand for its services. This influences the annual planning cycle to ensure that resources are directed to force priorities. The force needs to gain a better understanding of the skills its workforce currently has and those it is likely to need. This will enable it to develop strong, sustainable financial and workforce plans for the future.

“Senior leaders ensure that the workforce understands the importance of treating the public and each other with fairness and respect. The force continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote the standards of professional behaviour it expects.

“Overall, I commend Bedfordshire Police for the progress it has made over the past year, which provides a good foundation for continuing improvement in the year ahead.”

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of Cambridgeshire Constabulary. In 2018/19, we adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines into a single inspection the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL. We now assess forces against every part of our IPA programme every year.

Inspectors found that Cambridgeshire Constabulary:

• is ‘good’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• is ‘good’ at operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• is ‘good’ at how it treats the public and its workforce.

HMICFRS has also focused on how forces manage risks associated with officers and staff abusing their position for sexual purpose. Cambridgeshire Constabulary:
HM Inspector of Constabulary Zoe Billingham said:

“I am very pleased with Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s performance in keeping people safe and reducing crime. In particular, I note the improvements the force has made since 2017 in its effectiveness.

“The force is good at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour. Since our last inspection, the force has improved how it investigates crimes. It has also developed better ways to make sure it identifies and respond to people at risk. It works closely with local partners, like councils, to protect vulnerable people.

“Cambridgeshire Constabulary understands the complexity and scale of demand for its services. It is using this information to develop its financial and workforce plans to meet future needs. It is good at prioritising its use of resources and at making sure it has the right staff available to assist the public when they most need the police.

“Senior leaders continue to uphold an ethical culture and promote the standards of behaviour it expects well.

“Overall, I strongly commend Cambridgeshire Constabulary on the good progress it has made in the last year. The changes the force has made provide a strong foundation for continuing to keep communities across Cambridgeshire safe.”

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of Devon and Cornwall Police and found it to be performing well across the board. In 2018/19, HMICFRS adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines, into a single annual inspection, a review of the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL for each force.

Inspectors found that Devon and Cornwall Police:

• is ‘good’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• is ‘good’ at operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• is ‘good’ at how it treats the public and its workforce.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said:

“I am very pleased with the performance of Devon and Cornwall Police in keeping people safe and reducing crime, and, in particular, with the improvement in its effectiveness.

“The force prevents crime and tackles anti-social behaviour well. Since the last inspection, it has improved how it responds to and protects vulnerable people, working closely with partners to ensure it safeguards victims. But it needs to improve the way it investigates crime through better management of suspects and more effective supervision.

“The force’s accuracy in terms of recording crime is assessed as good, and it has made improvements in how it does this since the last inspection.

“Devon and Cornwall Police has a good understanding of current demands for its services. It is using this information to develop sustainable financial and workforce plans for the future – which include a programme to collaborate with neighbouring forces to provide a range of services for support functions.

“The force continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote the standards of professional behaviour it expects. However, I am concerned that the collection and monitoring of data to effectively manage performance in its custody facilities is insufficient.

“Overall, I commend Devon and Cornwall Police for the progress it has made over the past year, which provides a strong foundation for continuing improvement in the year ahead.”

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of Derbyshire Constabulary. In 2018/19, we adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines into a single inspection the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL. We now assess forces against every part of our IPA programme every year.

Inspectors found that Derbyshire Constabulary:

• ‘requires improvement’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• ‘requires improvement’ at operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• is ‘good’ at how it treats the public and its workforce.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Zoe Billingham said:

“I have concerns about the performance of Derbyshire Constabulary in keeping people safe and reducing crime. I have seen some deterioration in performance in important areas, including operational effectiveness and efficiency.

“Last year I reported on the force’s poor performance in accurately recording crime. I have been monitoring this closely, and am encouraged by the results of a more recent audit which indicates that improvements are being made.

“The force tackles serious and organised crime well, but more thorough supervision and management of suspects is needed in other, more commonly occurring types of crime.
“Derbyshire Constabulary needs to improve how it keeps vulnerable people safe; some people at risk are not being adequately protected. More consistency is needed when responding to them in a timely manner, along with closer co-operation with local partners to support them.

“Derbyshire Constabulary needs to improve how well it understands current and future demand. It also needs to gain a better understanding of the skills its workforce currently has and those it is likely to need in years to come. I am encouraged that there has been recent meaningful investment in new IT systems and specialist staff to achieve this.

“The force continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote well the standards of professional behaviour it expects.

“My overall assessment is that Derbyshire Constabulary’s performance has declined since our last inspection. I am reassured however that the force has taken a range of immediate steps to address the matters highlighted in our inspection, and I will monitor improvements closely.”

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of Gwent Police and found it to be performing well but requiring improvement in how it treats the public and its workforce. In 2018/19, HMICFRS adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines, into a single annual inspection, a review of the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL for each force.

Inspectors found that Gwent Police:

• is ‘good’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• is ‘good’ at operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• ‘requires improvement’ in how it treats the public and its workforce.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said:

“I am satisfied with most aspects of the performance of Gwent Police, but the force needs to make improvements in its legitimacy to provide a consistently good service.

“The force is good at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour. Since our last inspection, the force has improved how it investigates crimes. It has also developed better ways to make sure it identifies and responds to people at risk. It works closely with other agencies to protect vulnerable people. However, the force should do more to make sure it provides a consistently good service in child protection investigations.

“Gwent Police has a good understanding of current and likely future demand for its services. It is using this information to develop sustainable financial and workforce plans – which include increased collaborative working with neighbouring forces.

“The force recognises the importance of working closely with communities, but frontline officers and staff vary in their knowledge of unconscious bias. It understands how and when to use stop and search, but needs to improve how it monitors its use, and the use of force.

“Gwent Police also needs to improve how it spots and manages the risk of corruption, and needs to do more to ensure all members of its workforce are appropriately vetted.

“I commend the progress that Gwent Police has made in some areas and will continue to monitor its progress in areas where improvements are still needed.”

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of Hampshire Constabulary. In 2018/19, we adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines into a single inspection the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL. We now assess forces against every part of our IPA programme every year.

Inspectors found that Hampshire Constabulary:

• is ‘good’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• is ‘good’ at operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• is ‘good’ at how it treats the public and its workforce.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Zoe Billingham said:

“I am pleased with Hampshire Constabulary’s overall performance, and the force continues to improve despite being one of the lowest funded forces in England and Wales.

“The force has successfully addressed many of those areas where we identified it could do better in our previous inspections. We have seen improvements in how it investigates and records crime, protects vulnerable people and treats its staff and the public. In other areas, work is in progress.

“I am particularly pleased to see the work that the force does to protect victims of domestic abuse. It is making good use of a range of options to both support victims and to protect them by preventing offending behaviour by perpetrators.

“The force has made a good assessment of future demand and used this to develop a workforce plan moving staff into high priority areas of activity. This is good as it means that resources are focussed into the areas of highest risk to the public. Senior leaders are clear though that this means that they can’t always give the level of service they wish in every area of activity. We will monitor the impact of the expected increase of 156 officers on the how the force resolves this issue.

“Staff are well trained to recognise when a person is vulnerable, and there are good arrangements in place for officers to assess and record this. The force works well with local partners using this initial information to keep people safe.

“The chief constable has made the values in the code of ethics central to all force activity. This means that the workforce understands the importance of treating the public and each other with fairness and respect. While the force needs to reinforce the training given to staff about the signs and symptoms of abuse of authority for a sexual purpose, overall, it continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote the standards of professional behaviour it expects.

“I strongly commend Hampshire Constabulary for sustaining its positive performance over the past year.”

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of Lancashire Police and found it to be performing to a good or outstanding standard across all areas. In 2018/19, HMICFRS adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines, into a single annual inspection, a review of the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL for each force.

Inspectors found that Lancashire Police:

• is ‘good’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• is ‘outstanding’ at operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• is ‘good’ at how it treats the public and its workforce.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Phil Gormley said:

“I congratulate Lancashire Constabulary on its excellent performance in keeping people safe and reducing crime.

“The constabulary prevents crime and tackles anti-social behaviour well. Since the last inspection it has improved how it protects vulnerable people; working closely with partners to ensure it safeguards victims. But it needs to improve the way it investigates crime through better training and more effective supervision.

“The constabulary’s accuracy in terms of recording crime is assessed as good, having made improvements in how it does this since the last inspection.

“I am particularly pleased with the way in which Lancashire Constabulary plans for the future. The force’s leaders are ambitious. The force has a detailed understanding of changing demand and links this to its future financial planning and workforce development.

“Senior leaders ensure that the workforce understands the importance of treating the public and each other with fairness and respect. The force continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote the standards of professional behaviour it expects.

“Overall, I commend Lancashire Constabulary for sustaining its positive performance over the past year. I am confident that it is well equipped for this to continue.”

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of Lincolnshire Police. In 2018/19, we adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines into a single inspection the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL. We now assess forces against every part of our IPA programme every year.

Inspectors found that Lincolnshire Police:

• is ‘good’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• ‘requires improvement’ in operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• is ‘good’ at how it treats the public and its workforce.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Zoe Billingham said:

“I am encouraged by the progress Lincolnshire Police has made since our last inspection. It is an improving picture. The force provides a good policing service to its communities bearing in mind that it is one of the lowest cost forces in England and Wales. The low funding base for the force means that it consistently struggles to provide as effective a service as better funded forces. Although the force still has work to do, it is to be commended for what it achieves with the money available to it.

“The force is good at investigating crime. However, it needs to improve how it prevents crime and anti-social behaviour by using a more consistent, structured approach to solving neighbourhood problems.

“Since our last inspection the force has developed better ways to make sure it identifies and responds effectively to vulnerable people. It works closely with other partners, like councils, to protect them. The force now needs to focus on providing a consistently good service in child protection investigations.

“The force’s performance in recording crime is improving but it still has much more to do.

“Lincolnshire Police understands the complexity and scale of the current demand for its services. It can continue to do more to understand the skills of its workforce and those it is likely to need in the future.

“The force continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote the standards of professional behaviour it expects. I am pleased to see that it has improved its approach to the health and wellbeing of its workforce.

“I commend Lincolnshire Police for the progress it has made across most areas since last year, and I am keen to see keen to see the force continue to make further improvements in the year ahead, especially if its financial pressures ease.”

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of Merseyside Police and found it to be performing well across all areas. In 2018/19, HMICFRS adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines, into a single annual inspection, a review of the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL for each force.

Inspectors found that Merseyside Police:

• is ‘good’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• is ‘good’ at operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• is ‘good’ at how it treats the public and its workforce.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Phil Gormley said:

“I am pleased with Merseyside Police’s performance in keeping people safe and reducing crime.

“The force is good at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour. It investigates crime well and has invested in technology to assist in the day-to-day management and supervision of investigations. The force is good at keeping vulnerable people safe and works well with partners to identify and protect them.

“The force’s accuracy in recording crime is good, having improved how it does this since our last inspection.
“Merseyside Police has a good understanding of current demands for its services. It is conducting a comprehensive review of the skills its workforce currently has and those it is likely to need. It will use this information to develop sustainable financial and workforce plans.

“The force continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote standards of professional behaviour well. However, I am concerned that it does not consistently comply with legislation when dealing with detainees in custody.

“Overall, I commend Merseyside Police for sustaining its positive performance over the past year. I am confident that it is well-equipped for this to continue.”

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of North Wales Police and found it to be performing well across all areas. In 2018/19, HMICFRS adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines, into a single annual inspection, a review of the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL for each force.

Inspectors found that North Wales Police:

• is ‘good’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• is ‘good’ at operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• is ‘good’ at how it treats the public and its workforce.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said:

“I am very pleased with North Wales Police’s performance in keeping people safe and reducing crime. In particular, I note the improvements the force has made since 2017 in its efficiency.

“The force is good at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour. It is also good at investigating crime and tackling serious and organised crime. Keeping vulnerable people safe is a priority for the force and it works well with other agencies to identify and protect them.

“North Wales Police understands the complexity and scale of the current demand for its services. It now needs to gain a better understanding of the skills its workforce currently has and those it is likely to need. This will enable it to develop strong, sustainable financial and workforce plans for the future.

“The force continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote the standards of professional behaviour it expects. However, it should make sure that the necessary systems are in place to reassure the public that its use of powers, such as stop and search and the use of force, are conducted legitimately.

“Overall, I commend North Wales Police for the progress it has made over the past year. This provides a strong foundation for continuing improvement in the year ahead.”

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of Staffordshire Police and found it to be performing well across all areas. In 2018/19, HMICFRS adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines, into a single annual inspection, a review of the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL for each force.

Inspectors found that Staffordshire Police:

• is ‘good’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• is ‘good’ at operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• is ‘good’ at how it treats the public and its workforce.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said:

“I am pleased with the performance of Staffordshire Police in keeping people safe and reducing crime.

“The force is good at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour. It investigates crime well and continues to improve the quality and supervision of investigations. The force has improved how it assesses and responds to people at risk. It works closely with other agencies to make sure vulnerable victims are protected.

“Staffordshire Police understands the current and future demand for its services much better than it has done previously. It has used this information to develop strong financial and workforce plans for the future.

“Senior leaders ensure that the workforce understands the importance of treating the public and each other with fairness and respect. The force continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote the standards of professional behaviour it expects.

“Overall, I commend Staffordshire Police for the progress it has made over the past year. I am confident that it is well equipped for this to continue.”

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of Sussex Police and found it to be performing well in most areas but requiring improvement in how it operates efficiently and sustainably. In 2018/19, HMICFRS adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines, into a single annual inspection, a review of the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL for each force.

Inspectors found that Sussex Police:

• is ‘good’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• ‘requires improvement’ in operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• is ‘good’ at how it treats the public and its workforce.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Zoe Billingham said:

“I am satisfied with most aspects of the performance of Sussex Police. But the force needs to make improvements in how it deals with vulnerable people. It also needs to improve its efficiency if it is to provide a consistently cost effective service to the public.

“The force has a good track record of taking positive action following our inspections. I commend the force for the way it has improved how it prevents crime and anti-social behaviour. There has been an investment in neighbourhood policing. And there is a clear plan as to how these resources will be used to support local communities and prevent crime from happening. The force also investigates crime well.

“Despite these positives, I am disappointed that the force has not responded to our previous concerns and recommendations as to how it safeguards vulnerable people. It does not consistently assess the risks or respond to them in a timely manner, which means that people at risk may not always be adequately protected.

“The force is struggling to meet demand for its services. It should gain a better understanding of how it uses and prioritises resources to meet current demand. This knowledge, along with a more detailed assessment of its workforce capabilities, should help it to develop strong and sustainable plans for its future.

“The force continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote standards of professional behaviour well. It treats its workforce fairly and has improved how it supports staff wellbeing since our last inspection.

“Given the force’s previous track record and ability to respond positively to our inspection findings, I am confident that it will take the necessary steps to ensure that these issues are resolved quickly.”

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has today published a report into the performance of West Yorkshire Police and found it to be performing to a good or outstanding standard across all areas. In 2018/19, HMICFRS adopted an integrated PEEL assessment (IPA) approach to our existing PEEL inspections. This combines, into a single annual inspection, a review of the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy areas of PEEL for each force.

Inspectors found that West Yorkshire Police:

• is ‘good’ at effectively reducing crime and keeping people safe;
• is ‘outstanding’ at operating efficiently and providing sustainable services to the public; and
• is ‘good’ at how it treats the public and its workforce.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Phil Gormley said:

“I congratulate West Yorkshire Police on its excellent performance in keeping people safe and reducing crime.

“The force is good at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour. It works effectively with other agencies to identify and protect vulnerable people.

“The force is outstanding at planning for the future. I am impressed with its understanding of changing demand and how it links this to its financial planning and workforce development. Its leaders are ambitious and want to be at the forefront of innovative practice.

“It treats the public and its workforce fairly. And it continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote the standards of professional behaviour it expects.

“I am also particularly pleased with the force’s performance in recording crime. It has substantially improved its crime recording accuracy since our last inspection.

“There remain some areas for improvement. It needs to improve the quality and supervision of criminal investigations, particularly those involving very vulnerable victims. The force also needs to increase its capability and capacity to effectively and proactively counter potential corruption within its workforce.

“Overall, I commend West Yorkshire Police for its positive performance over the past year. I am confident that it is well equipped for this to continue.”