Devon and Cornwall PEEL 2015

HMIC found that Devon and Cornwall Police is striving to develop and maintain an ethical culture. It is clear that officers and staff have a good understanding of expectations in relation to their conduct and standards of behaviour.

The chief constable has recently launched a new mission statement, force standards and values, which included the Code of Ethics as an integral part of it. Some officers and staff are aware of the new mission and its relationship with the Code of Ethics; however, this is not consistently understood. We found posters and leaflets in some police buildings that promoted the previous force vision and standards which – although had synergies with the new mission statement and the force acknowledged this – could have led to this mixed picture.

HMIC found evidence that the wellbeing of staff is a priority for the force and a number of schemes are in place, such as one which provided mental health support.

We were told there are high levels of trust in the professional standards department in relation to the management of complaints and misconduct. However, some concern was expressed regarding staff being kept informed when complaints are managed at a local level.

This question has not been inspected or graded in 2015.

Devon and Cornwall Police demonstrates a good understanding of the importance of engaging with the public and how this helps to promotes police legitimacy. Neighbourhood teams are working closely with their communities and partner organisations to identify and solve local problems.

The force has a good understanding of the communities it serves and engagement work is tailored to meet the needs of specific communities. Neighbourhood meetings and surgeries, surveys and social media are used to seek the views of local people and keep them informed. The force uses this understanding to assess the likely impact of community incidents or problems on confidence in the police and respond effectively.

The public are encouraged to take part in local policing activities and there are a range of opportunities for them to do so. The force recognises the value that volunteers working within its communities can bring in improving engagement and trust in the police.

Call-handlers and front-desk staff in police stations were found to be consistently courteous, professional and helpful.

HMIC found that Devon and Cornwall Police is compliant with most aspects of the Best Use of Stop Search scheme, although the force is not yet publishing details of stop and search outcomes, and does not monitor the impact on young people. The force has more to do to demonstrate that stop and search records include sufficient reasonable grounds to justify the lawful use of the power, and that officers fully understand the grounds required to stop and search.

The distribution of Taser officers and equipment is based on risk, demand and geography and is subject to regular review. Systems are in place to manage the deployment and use of Taser. However, the force must ensure that Taser-trained officers and supervisors properly understand and record their decisions using the National Decision Model, in accordance with the College of Policing training.

As Devon and Cornwall Police was not compliant in one or two aspects of the Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme in 2015, HMIC revisited the force in 2016 to assess improvements made since the initial inspection.

Best Use of Stop and Search letter – Devon and Cornwall Police