A ‘DISAPPOINTING’ report into Warwickshire Police says the force needs to improve how it keeps people safe and reduces crime.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found the force ‘requires improvement’ – a step backwards from last year’s verdict of ‘good’.
The report called for the force to improve its service to vulnerable people – particularly in instances where officers have not been able to quickly respond to victims of domestic abuse – and to review why a high proportion of domestic abuse victims do not support police action.
Inspectors also highlighted the need for Warwickshire Police to better assess its tactics in tackling serious and organised crime.
The report also said a more detailed understanding of local communities was needed to ensure the force’s response to problems was based on public feedback.
But the report also praised the use of other recently introduced technologies such as body-worn video cameras, new intelligence systems, command and control software and a new control room.
The force’s Serious and Organised Crime Joint Action Group was also described as ‘active, influential and has proven successful in bringing police and partners together’.
Warwickshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Moore said: “We accept there are areas where we can strengthen our approach.
“Since our inspection, the force has implemented new technology and systems which ensure our officers and staff are better equipped to prevent and detect crime.
“In April, the force will introduce a refreshed policing model which will ensure we have the right people available at the right time to deliver the best possible protection to our communities.
“This new model ‘ring-fences’ our Safer Neighbourhood Teams to focus on identifying criminal activity, arresting the offenders, and protecting vulnerable victims.
“We fully acknowledge these are all areas requiring our focus and this is exactly what we have done. We are confident that we are comprehensively addressing all the HMICFRS’s recommendations.”
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: “It is obviously disappointing this latest report has a ‘requires improvement’ finding, particularly since the force has been rated as ‘good’ in both 2014 and 2016.”
He said he would host two events for police and partners later this year to look at problem solving in local communities, to supplement work the force is already doing to use structured problem solving techniques.
He added: “I will be asking the Chief Constable for a detailed update on the plans to address each of the concerns raised by the Inspectorate and the aim must be to restore a ‘good’ rating or better by the time of the next inspection.
“I will continue to press for improvement and I expect the force to take the criticisms in the report constructively in order to deliver real progress over the next 12 months.”
