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Herts Police require improvement following inspection

Wednesday 23 October 2024

A recent inspection carried out by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services has found shortcomings in the running of Herts Police.

Whilst the force was rated "Good" for crime prevention, and "Adequate" for managing offender and suspects, the recording of data was found to be "Inadequate". Several areas were judged as "Requires Improvement", including responding to the public, investigating crime, and leadership.

In total, nine areas of the force's operations were rated:

  • Recording data about crime - Inadequate
  • Police powers and treating the public fairly and respectfully - Adequate
  • Preventing and deterring crime and antisocial behaviour, and reducing vulnerability - Good
  • Responding to the public - Requires improvement
  • Investigating crime - Requirse improvement
  • Protecting vulnerable people - Requires improvement
  • Managing offenders and suspects - Adequate
  • Building, supporting and protecting the workforce - Adequate
  • Leadership and force management - Requires improvement

In his summary, HM Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher, said: "I have concerns about the performance of Hertfordshire Constabulary in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing victims with an effective service. I have serious concerns about crime data integrity. In view of these findings, I have been in contact with the chief constable, as I don’t underestimate how much improvement is needed.

"Hertfordshire Constabulary is good at preventing crime. Since our last inspection, and for the first time in at least ten years, it has reviewed its structure and processes. The review resulted in little change. But some elements of the operating model don’t provide an efficient and effective service. At the time of our inspection, the constabulary was doing more detailed work in relation to its safeguarding specialisms. This has delayed its ability to understand what changes it could make to safeguard its communities.

"I have some concerns about how the constabulary investigates crime. I am concerned that it doesn’t always investigate crime thoroughly. And I am concerned that not all victims get the support they need and the most appropriate outcomes. I will continue to monitor performance in this area and consider any impact of improvements the constabulary makes to its crime recording."

Mr.Wilsher's report assessed the force from December 2023 until June 2024.

Responding to the report, the county's Police & Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: "Having been newly elected in May, as the inspection process was concluding, this inspection report provides me with a useful external assessment of how the Constabulary is performing. It will assist my role in holding the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public and considering the resources the Constabulary will need in next year’s budget.

"There are clearly sections of the report which are a concern and where I want to see improvements made at pace. I am pleased that the Constabulary has taken responsibility and is acting accordingly. This will include a return visit of the Inspectorate early next year to review progress on crime recording.

"The report also reflects areas of positive performance, particularly in preventing and deterring crime, diverting young people from crime and maintaining a strong neighbourhood policing model. I want to recognise the tireless work that police officers and staff are doing on the frontline each day to pursue criminals and protect the public."

The report will be discussed at the force's next Accountability & Performance meeting on 14th November 2024.

Read the full report here


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