‘Serious concerns’ over Nottinghamshire Police’s performance, say inspectors

The latest PEEL report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found the force was effective at using police powers and legislation to tackle anti-social behaviour and uses stop and search powers legitimately.

But the inspectorate said the force needs to improve how it manages, supervises and carries out effective investigations, and make sure that victims get the support they need.

Inspectors also raised concerns that the force does not have adequate processes in place to monitor performance or identify areas where improvement is required.

Because of these concerns, in March this year the inspectorate moved Nottinghamshire Police into an enhanced level of monitoring.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell said they took the concerns “very seriously” and were already working on a “comprehensive improvement plan”.

The inspectorate recognised that Nottinghamshire has high levels of deprivation. It also said that gaps in funding for other agencies may have an impact on police demand, and that the force needs to have enough resources to prevent crime and protect the public effectively.

His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher said: “I have concerns about Nottinghamshire Police’s performance in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing victims with an effective service.

“I have particularly serious concerns about how well the force manages crime, and how it manages its performance and identifies areas for improvement.

“Nottinghamshire Police needs to allocate its resources more effectively to prevent and detect crime, and to protect its communities. However, its ability to meet demand is affected by acute environmental factors, like high levels of deprivation and funding gaps for local partner agencies.

“Given these findings, I have been in regular contact with the chief constable as the amount of improvement needed shouldn’t be underestimated. I am pleased to see that the force has accepted our findings and is now working on how it will make the changes needed for sustainable improvement.”

Ms Meynell said: “We have taken this very seriously and we are working closely with HMICFRS to improve all that we do.

“We were already working on some of the changes that needed to be made before our inspection, but this has given us the opportunity to work with the inspectorate and the College of Policing on a comprehensive improvement plan. We are now delivering these improvements quicker to better serve our communities and have received positive feedback in relation to the changes made to date.

“A new comprehensive training package has been delivered to all our officers and staff who investigate crime to ensure that investigations are conducted efficiently, effectively and meet the needs of victims.

“We know that we still have more to do, but the steps already taken have seen our positive outcome rate increase further, with our charge rate exceeding the national average, and victim updates increase.”

The chief constable added: “Our control room handles a high volume of calls for service, including the highest number of 101 calls per 1,000 population in the country, so it’s vital that our officers and resources are always in the right place, at the right time.

“To achieve this we are continuing to evolve our processes and operating model to provide the best possible service to Nottinghamshire. This has included significantly increasing the number of inspectors and sergeants to further support our frontline staff and maximise our capability to tackle and investigate crime.

“We have also increased the number of officers in our neighbourhood policing teams including those with specialist skills, to improve how we proactively prevent and detect crime, and through a new dedicated team, we are targeting repeat offenders and those who cause most harm to our communities. This has resulted in significant reductions in neighbourhood crime.

“By continuing to work with the inspectorate, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing I will implement any further changes which benefit our communities.”

She said the report found that the force is making a positive difference in reducing violence against women and girls, managing violent offenders, using its powers of stop and search effectively, protecting the public from harm through a new system to locate suspects and wanted individuals, and working with partner organisations to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Nottinghamshire’s police and crime commissioner Gary Godden has vowed to ensure Nottinghamshire Police continues making improvements after the inspectorateforce found three “causes for concern”.

Although HMICFRS put the force into ‘engage status’ in March, the publication of the full report was delayed until Thursday (July 11) due to the PCC elections and the general election.

Mr Godden was elected to the role in May and has since held a number of meetings with the chief constable and officials from HMICFRS to scrutinise and monitor progress in areas outlined by the report.

He said: “Coming into this role, I knew there were challenges ahead for Nottinghamshire Police and specific areas for improvement.

“It is important for the people of Nottinghamshire that the force moves out of ‘engage status’ as soon as possible and provides the highest possible standard of service.

“From the conversations I have had with the force and HMICFRS so far, it is clear to me that the force has already come a long way since the inspection concluded in January. But I want to ensure it keeps going in the right direction.

“The chief constable has quickened the pace of improvements she was already making in her first year as chief constable. It is my job to make sure that the upward trajectory continues, through my monthly Accountability Board, weekly briefings with the chief constable and scrutiny support from my office, but also by supporting that strategic direction with my new Police and Crime Plan, which is currently in development.

He added: “One of the findings in the HMICFRS report is around a need for stronger neighbourhood policing. This is one of the key priorities that I propose to include in my Police and Crime Plan, because I see this as a cornerstone for building public trust and confidence and a service that people can rely on.

“The inspection report will assist me in having a laser-like focus on all of the areas for improvement and ensuring progress continues to be made so that the people of Nottinghamshire have trust and confidence in a policing service they deserve.”