Federation responds to HMICFRS report of police service

16 October 2024

The chair of Hertfordshire Police Federation has warned that a lack of funding and investment is severely hampering officers' ability to provide the level of service the public expects and deserves.

Luke Mitchell stated that officers and staff are working tirelessly to cover the cracks caused by years of austerity, underfunding, and underinvestment, but the strain is showing.

His remarks follow a new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), which, while highlighting some strengths, identified five critical areas for improvement within the Force.

The Force was deemed 'inadequate' in its recording of crime data - an issue that could have far-reaching consequences for victims seeking justice.

Luke was quick to emphasise that the report is not a reflection of the dedication of hard-working officers but instead highlights the devastating impact of chronic underfunding across the country’s police services.

“This report makes for grim reading,” he said. “Our officers are working themselves to the bone, and the toll it’s taking on their wellbeing is undeniable. Despite their best efforts, the sheer volume of work and the lack of resources are stretching them to breaking point.”

The HMICFRS report is not a reflection of the dedication of officers, says branch chair Luke Mitchell.

Luke warned that no force can excel in every area under the current conditions.

“Even the top-rated forces are struggling," he said. "It’s a vicious cycle - if you improve one area, another suffers because we simply don’t have the resources to address everything.”

He added: “We’ve been saying for years that cuts have consequences. What we’re seeing now is a weakened police service that is being asked to do the impossible, and with further budget cuts looming, the situation is only going to get worse.”

An example is the Force Control Room, where a shortage of staff has forced officers to abandon frontline duties to cover gaps.

“We’re being labelled as ‘inadequate’ for recording crimes at the point of call, but that’s because we don’t have the resources. Thirty positions meant for police staff have been converted into officer roles. Officers who joined to catch criminals are being pulled away to answer phones,” Luke continued.

Ripple effect

“This has a ripple effect. Our ability to respond to the public and investigate crimes is being further weakened. It’s a grim trade-off, and the public is paying the price.”

Luke also highlighted the emotional and mental strain officers are under.

“We’re seeing officers working unpaid on their days off just to keep up with the workload. Overtime is skyrocketing," he said.

"Even worse, when they try to access support from an occupational health unit with lack of capacity, they’re being turned away because we just don’t have the ability to release them from frontline duties, this isn’t acceptable and is neglectful.”

The Federation chair stressed that urgent decisions need to be made about what the police can reasonably be expected to do.

He said: “If the funding isn’t forthcoming, then some of the responsibilities currently handled by the police, like mental health callouts and welfare checks, will have to be shifted to other agencies. We simply cannot do it all.”

Clarity

Luke also called for immediate clarity from the Government and police leaders: “The public and police need to know exactly what’s expected of us. We can’t keep overpromising and underdelivering - it’s not fair on the officers, and it’s not fair on the public.”

While the report may alarm some members of the public, Luke believes they understand the difficult conditions officers are working under.

“People should be directing their frustration at MPs and government officials. This is a system-wide failure, and it’s time for those in power to step up,” he argued.

“The report also mentions the disconnect between senior leaders in the organisation and the frontline. This needs to be urgently addressed. The visibility of those in the executive team needs to be far greater, and this needs to be done not just during Response Officer Week, but all year round.”

Roy Wilsher, His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, said: “I have concerns about the performance of Hertfordshire Constabulary; in particular, in how it is recording data and its crime investigations. In view of these findings, I have been in contact with the Chief Constable, as I don’t underestimate how much improvement is needed.

Victim support

“We found the constabulary was good at preventing crime, and we saw innovative examples of early intervention and diversionary activity. However, they were not always investigating crime thoroughly. And I am concerned that not all victims get the support they need and the most appropriate outcomes.

“The constabulary must take steps to improve its emergency call handling and make sure it attends non-emergency calls within set times. But I am aware senior leaders have insight into performance data and are already addressing these issues.

“We will continue to closely monitor the constabulary’s performance in these areas.”

"Leadership is aware of these challenges, but the pace of change must accelerate. We’ll be closely monitoring progress in these critical areas.”

Read the report in full.