‘Significant’ improvement at Sussex Police, but crime investigations could be better, says police inspectorate

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded Sussex Police’s performance across nine areas. It found the force was ‘good’ in one area, responding to the public, ‘adequate’ in seven areas and ‘required improvement’ in one area.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “I welcome this report and am proud of the positive changes that have been made, and acknowledged by HMICFRS, since the previous inspection in 2023.

“These ratings put us as one of the stronger performing forces in England and Wales, and one of the most improved over the last two years.

“The inspection is also stricter and more rigorous than before, and so to achieve the same ratings in many areas – particularly with limited investment – is a sign of success and testament to the hard work of our officers and staff across the county.

“As a force, we are very open to feedback and are continuously looking for opportunities to learn and improve. Many of the recommendations made in the report have already been identified through our own internal review process, and improvement plans are well underway.

“We will continue working alongside HMICFRS to accelerate and embed these plans to ensure we are delivering the best possible service for the people of Sussex.”

The inspection team rated Sussex Police as ‘good’ in how it responds to the public, showing significant improvement from the ‘inadequate’ grading it received in this area in 2023.

Seven areas within the force were rated as adequate, including leadership and force management, how it protects vulnerable people, manages offenders and suspects, supports and protects its workforce, and prevents and deters crime and anti-social behaviour.

However, the inspection team found the force must improve how it investigates crime, to ensure it consistently achieves more acceptable outcomes for victims. It determined the force lacks capacity to make sure investigations are progressed in a timely manner and to an appropriate outcome, resulting in low numbers of victim-based crimes being solved.

Ms Shiner added: “We are absolutely committed to delivering an outstanding service to the people of Sussex, as they rightly expect, and although many improvements have already been made, we know there is still more work to do.

“We had recognised the need to make changes to our investigation processes and are encouraged by the positive feedback from inspectors on the measures that have been implemented so far.

“We are operating in a challenging financial environment, particularly as one of the lowest funded forces in the country, but I will continue to explore all possible avenues to ensure we can effectively manage the demand we face in responding, recording and investigating crime.

“Catching criminals and protecting the public is at the heart of everything we do, and we will continue working and developing as a force to deliver the service our communities deserve.”

HM Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher said: “I am pleased with some aspects of the performance of Sussex Police in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing victims with an effective service. I am satisfied with most other aspects of the force’s performance, but there are areas in which it needs to improve.

He acknowledged that the force operates in a “geographically and operationally complex environment”.

“Since our last inspection, the force has made significant efforts to address the concerns and areas for improvement we identified. In particular, it has enhanced the operation of its force contact, command and control department, and has introduced an initial investigations team,” said Mr Wilsher. “These improvements are having a positive impact on the service the force provides to the public.

“To sustain this progress, it will be essential for the force to continue to focus and develop, so it consistently gives its communities a high standard of service.

“However, the force needs to improve the quality of its crime investigations. We found that it doesn’t always pursue relevant and proportionate lines of enquiry, and there is sometimes a lack of investigative supervision.

“In some long-term serious crime cases, we found that there wasn’t enough momentum and direction.

In our review of stop and search practices, we found reasonable grounds in the majority of cases. Officers successfully found the item they were looking for in 30 per cent of cases. This rate is higher than it is for most other forces, which shows that Sussex Police uses these powers effectively. The force should improve its understanding of use of force incidents by strengthening external scrutiny through an independently chaired panel.”

He added: “I am pleased with the way the force works with local communities. It has a proactive approach to tackling anti-social behaviour, and it prioritises those most at risk.

“However, the force needs to improve the way it records crimes when it receives reports of anti-social behaviour personal. Failure to record these crimes may result in victims not receiving the protection and support they need.

Mr Wilsher said the force manages registered sex offenders well and makes effective use of Stalking Protection Orders and other ancillary measures to safeguard victims and deter offenders.

“However, its participation in multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARACs) needs to improve,” he added. “This is so it can make sure victims involved in high-risk domestic abuse cases receive prompt support and intervention.

“It is also essential that all first-line leaders complete the force’s Introduction to Leadership programme. At the time of our inspection, fewer than half had done so.

“Given the critical role these leaders play in managing teams, this training is vital.

“The force is planning changes to its public protection model, and it is reviewing its neighbourhood policing structures. We hope these reforms will lead to further improvements to the way the force works and will help it better meet the public’s needs.

“We will continue to monitor the force’s progress closely.”