Cumbria Constabulary ‘outstanding’ in supporting its workforce

It is the first force so far in the current round of PEEL inspections (police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy) to be graded as ‘outstanding’ in this area of policing.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found the constabulary excels in providing a supportive environment for new recruits, which allows them to develop, encourages them to remain in force with their workload being reviewed weekly to ensure balance.

Officers are provided with comprehensive wellbeing care with extra support being provided to those in high-risk roles and inclusion of stress and trauma management on courses such as collision investigation.

Officers and staff that have been assaulted are provided with effective support. Staff are also provided with good opportunities to progress and develop throughout their career.

The inspectorate said Cumbria Constabulary also works effectively with partner organisations to reduce violence against women and girls, and to keep vulnerable people safe. For example, it runs a partnership project that provides support and safeguarding for people who are vulnerable to county lines exploitation.

Inspectors also found that there had been improvements in the management and scrutiny of criminal investigations, but the constabulary could do more to achieve better outcomes for victims. It also needs to strengthen the external scrutiny of its use of force and stop and search powers.

In addition to the outstanding grade, the inspectorate found that the constabulary was good in six areas and adequate in two areas.

His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Lee Freeman said: “I congratulate Cumbria Constabulary on its performance in keeping people safe and reducing crime.

“I was pleased to find improvements in the management and scrutiny of criminal investigations and to see the constabulary works well with partner organisations, charities and communities to solve local problems and to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour. However, more could be done to achieve even better outcomes for victims.

“The communicative and highly visible approach taken by the constabulary’s new leadership has been well received. Leaders have made considered changes and investments to make sure the constabulary has the right resources to meet its demand. They have continued to improve the services the constabulary provides to the public of Cumbria.

“While there remains room for further improvements, the progress we have seen during our inspection will provide a good foundation on which to build.”

Chief Constable Rob Carden said: “We welcome HMICFRS’ PEEL inspection report, published today, which shares the findings of an independent, robust scrutiny process by a team of inspectors over the past year.

“The grades are a huge endorsement of what we are doing in Cumbria, and I am delighted that the exceptional efforts of police officers, police staff, volunteers and partners have received such well-deserved recognition.

“The following grades represent a significant improvement on our previous positive inspection.

“I am particularly pleased that Cumbria has become the first force in the current round of PEEL inspections to be graded as ‘outstanding’ for building, supporting and protecting the workforce and ‘good’ for both investigating crime and responding to the public.

“Please be assured that we will never be complacent and we have already started to work on the areas where we need to improve. Cumbria is a force that is committed to providing the best possible service to our communities.”

He added: “I’d like to acknowledge our previous chief constable, Michelle Skeer, for the important part she has played in this success.

I’d also like to thank the Office of the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner for their support, and I must also recognise the HMICFRS for the very fair, transparent and professional manner in which they conducted the inspection.

“Most importantly, I’d like to thank the amazing people who make up Cumbria Constabulary and congratulate them on their dedication, professionalism and commitment to keeping Cumbria safe.”

Cumbria’s police, fire and crime commissioner David Allen said: “This is an excellent outcome for Cumbria Constabulary. The chief constable should be incredibly pleased with this report and proud of his Officers and staff.

“Being ‘outstanding’ in supporting staff is no mean feat. Without the right support, officers and staff cannot protect the public to the best of their ability. Some Officers also see the worst scenes that any of us could image on a daily, weekly, monthly basis so it’s imperative that those who experience trauma are supported to ensure their mental health is maintained.

“This really is a brilliant report, and I am incredibly pleased that HMICFRS agree that Cumbria Constabulary deserve the recognition for all their efforts.

“However, we cannot be complacent – we want to continue to develop the Police to ensure that we are the best service possible for residents and aim to be the best Force in the country.”

He added: “In my first two months as commissioner, and from what the public have raised with me, I know there is work to be done.

“I am aware that our ‘adequate’ grades [recording data about crime and police powers and public treatment] need to be addressed – HMICFRS has provided recommendations and I intend to take these suggestions forward to ensure that we can provide a better service to our public. These recommendations include improving our crime recording processes, improve our equality data recording and be more transparent and strengthen scrutiny around stop search disproportionality.

“I will ensure that these recommendations are taken forward so that we can be ‘outstanding’ in all areas.

“The chief has assured me that these recommendations are being worked on currently – I’ll be monitoring to ensure that they have been and that the journey of improvement continues to make sure the people of Cumbria have the best possible police service.

“Well done to the constabulary – these gradings were well deserved. I look forward to helping to continuing the positive work to protect Cumbria’s safety.”