Devon and Cornwall Police’s integrity arrangements require improvement
Devon and Cornwall Police needs to improve how it reviews vetting decisions, manages complaints and monitors the use of its IT systems, the police inspectorate has said.
As part of its integrity inspection programme, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) assessed the effectiveness of Devon and Cornwall Police in three areas. The constabulary was graded ‘requires improvement’ in its vetting of police officers and staff, professional standards and counter-corruption arrangements.
HMICFRS found that while the force actively looks for evidence of disproportionality in its vetting decisions and is adequately staffed to meet demand, it should improve how it explores and records information, which might question the suitability of an individual during the vetting process.
It also needs to implement an effective quality assurance process to review vetting decisions.
Inspectors said Devon and Cornwall Police has an established process for sharing some relevant adverse information between departments, to help uphold professional standards, but needs to improve the way it manages complaints and conduct matters, and its timeliness in relation to handling public complaints.
HMICFRS praised the force for “proactively looking for corruption-related intelligence as a matter of routine”. The counter-corruption unit’s IT monitoring system automatically alerts relevant personnel if it identifies potential misuse.
However, it should improve how it monitors the use of its IT systems so it can effectively monitor, audit and investigate potential misuse.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Kathryn Stone said: “The work of force vetting units, professional standards departments and counter-corruption units has never been more vital, with increased demand and focus on their activities.
“When police officers or staff are found to be involved in misconduct, it reduces public trust and confidence in the police service. We must make sure that the right people join the police service and those working to keep our communities safe can be trusted to do so.
“It was positive to find that Devon and Cornwall Police proactively looks for corruption-related intelligence. And in relation to its professional standards, it also has an established process for sharing some relevant adverse information between departments.
“We were disappointed to find that the force requires improvement in all areas of our inspection. It needs to implement an effective quality assurance process to review vetting decisions. And it should improve the way it manages complaints and conduct matters, including the time it takes to respond to public complaints.
“We will continue to monitor the force’s progress.”