City of London Police praised for how it records and investigates crime

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded City of London Police’s performance across nine areas of policing. The inspectorate found the force was ‘outstanding’ in one area, ‘good’ in two areas and ‘adequate’ in six areas.

HMICFRS said that the force is outstanding in how and when it records crime. Inspectors said that this improvement is testament to the force’s investment of time, effort and resources in crime recording. The force has also significantly improved the timeliness with which it records crime. This means investigations and support for victims begins sooner.

The force has made progress in the management and scrutiny of criminal investigations. It has invested in governance and performance processes to improve and maintain its investigative standards. This has led to continued performance improvements.

Inspectors saw the commitment by the force to put the victim at the centre of everything it does. It also uses bail effectively to protect vulnerable victims and to reduce further crime. However, the force should make sure officers and staff are aware of schemes and orders that can be used to protect victims, and have the confidence to use them. More could be done to achieve even better outcomes for victims, the inspectorate said.

HMICFRS said the force is investing in early intervention to prevent and reduce crime at the first opportunity. However, it needs to improve the way it records and monitors problem-solving to provide long-term solutions to reduce crime. Inspectors also said that the force needs to make sure that officers using stop and search powers collect all the information they should. This will help ensure that the use of these powers is always appropriate.

Inspectors also found that officers who attended traumatic incidents or assaulted in their duties receive a good level of support. However, the force needs to further develop its understanding of other workplace factors that may affect officers’ wellbeing to make sure it meets the needs of all personnel.

His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Lee Freeman said: “I am pleased with some aspects of the performance of the City of London Police in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing victims with an effective service.

“The force is outstanding in how and when it records crime. It has also made progress in the management and scrutiny of criminal investigations. It has made investments to improve its investigative standards, and overall, we found that investigations were thorough and well supervised.

“The force has a unique population, with a low number of residents, but large numbers of commuters and visitors travelling through the city. While the force uses different approaches to communicate, it needs to better evaluate what works.

“The force needs to make sure that officers using stop and search powers collect all the information they should. It would benefit from enhancing its analytical capability and improving internal working relationships between some departments to prevent silo working.

“The leadership team has worked closely with inspection staff, and the recently appointed commissioner has been open and receptive to acting on the improvements identified in this inspection. I will monitor its progress in addressing the findings of this report.”

The force was graded ‘adequate for use for police powers, preventing and deterring crime and anti-social behaviour, protecting vulnerable people, managing offenders and suspects, supporting the workforce leadership, and force management.

The inspectorate also recognised how well the force supports rape victims, achieving positive outcome rates for violence against women and girls (VAWG) offences in 2024/25; more than double the national average with City of London Police achieving a 15.6 per cent outcome rate, above the national rate of six per cent.

City of London Police one of only a few police forces in the UK without a ‘requires improvement’ score for this inspection period.

Commissioner Pete O’Doherty said: “I am very happy to share our inspection results which demonstrate the hard work our officers and police staff are doing to keep people safe and put victims at the heart of everything we do. I am especially proud of our ‘outstanding’ grade for recording crime, as well as being recognised for how we investigate crime and respond to the public.

“We are not at all complacent, but this is a good outcome, reflecting our new Policing Plan priorities for the next three years, and it shows how we really are going the extra mile to deliver the best service possible to the City of London, and beyond.”

The HMICFRS report praises the force’s leadership which enables quality investigations to achieve appropriate outcomes for victims, and the support given to the needs of victims.

Deputy Commissioner Paul Betts, who led the force through the inspection, added: “These are welcome results and demonstrate everyone’s hard work to take us in the right direction. Our ‘good’ score for crime investigation is a team effort, from our front-line officers and control staff to our crime scene investigators, and all those who investigate and bring justice to victims.

“Our message is clear. Don’t come to the City of London to commit crime because if you do, you’ll be relentlessly pursued, investigated, and brought before the courts.”

A further highlight from the inspection was that the force has again received a good score at responding to the public, having improved its understanding of the demand it faces and prioritising incidents.

Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, Tijs Broeke, said: “These are excellent results and a testament to the professionalism, commitment, and integrity of the City of London Police.

“The force’s ‘outstanding’ grading for how it records crime – particularly its work supporting victims of rape and serious sexual assault – is especially welcome.

“As the national lead force for fraud and economic crime, the City of London Police supports economic growth and protects people and businesses across the UK.

“These results show the City Police is on track to deliver our ambitious Policing Plan priorities.

“We are committed to making the City of London Police one of the most trusted and inclusive forces in the country – improving outcomes for victims and making the Square Mile even safer for our communities. This report reflects real progress – and we will continue to support the force in maintaining and building on this success.”