A REPORT by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) into how effective Warwickshire Police is at keeping people safe and reducing crime has found that the force requires improvement.
It’s a step backwards for an organisation which last year was rated good.
Key areas that need improvement include the development of a deeper and more detailed understanding of local communities to ensure the force’s response to problems is based on public feedback.
The use of structured problem-solving techniques is recommended to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour among neighbourhood policing teams.
Inspectors also highlighted the need to improve assessing how its tactics to tackle serious and organised crime are working.
However the report makes clear it is working well with partners to understand the risks posed and local arrangements work effectively to prevent organised crime.
While the Inspectors found that officers and police staff have a good understanding of the signs vulnerability and Warwickshire Police investigates vulnerable people well, the report calls for the force to improve its overall service to vulnerable people, particularly victims of domestic abuse.
It has also been asked to review why in a high proportion of domestic abuse cases victims do not support police action.
Responding to the report, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: “It is obviously disappointing that this latest report has a ‘requires improvement’ finding.
“I will be asking the Chief Constable for a detailed update on the plans to address each of the concerns raised by the Inspectorate and the aim must be to restore a ‘good’ rating or better by the time of the next inspection.”
Warwickshire Police is in a strategic partnership with West Mercia Police.
