Positive Inspection Report For Humberside

15 April 2026

Humberside Police has continued to be outstanding in preventing and deterring crime, but it needs to improve its safeguarding processes, a new report into the force has said.
 
In its latest inspection report, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded the force as outstanding in one area, good in one area, adequate in six areas and requires improvement in one area.
 
The report said Humberside Police had a higher number of neighbourhood officers than average, a strong problem-solving culture, and a strong focus on tackling neighbourhood crime, anti-social behaviour and rural crime. The force was also praised for improving outcomes for victims of crime.
 
Lee Sims, Chair of Humberside Police Federation, said while he was pleased with the positive elements of the report acknowledging the hard work and commitment of police officers and staff, it also highlighted some areas of concern that the Federation had raised previously with the force.
 
The Federation noted the pressure on investigative teams as an area of concern, saying: “We have raised high workloads as an issue in investigation teams after our members had approached us with concerns around significant workloads and staffing ratios not being appropriate for demand.
 
“However, we recognise that there have been a number of improvements since HMICFRS began their inspection a year ago.
 
“The Federation are aware how high workloads can cause a lot of pressure on our members, and it is unsustainable to continue in this way.
 
“Due to the concerns raised, the Federation have surveyed a number of investigation teams in relation to this and fed back to the local leadership teams. We will continue to work with these teams in order to improve working environment and conditions.

“The Federation have been working with the Chief Officer team to improve conditions, and we are confident that we are being listened to when making representations to them.”
 
The report highlighted the lack of detectives in post, with only 329 full-time equivalent investigators compared to the requirement of 648. It also has only 121 trainee investigators a shortfall of 198.
 
Lee said the force needed to focus on ensuring that new investigators were given all the support they needed to carry out what is often a difficult and complex job.
 
He explained: “We see trainee investigators as the future of our investigative capability, and as such this an area we feel really passionate about improving.
 
“We know that the force needs to change the current pathway process. Influencing change in this area is something that we are heavily involved in with the force.
 
“Recognising the need to best equip our officers to allow them to continue to develop as our future detectives to give the best service to the communities.”
 
The Federation noted the report’s findings regarding organisational culture, which stated that the officers are confident in challenging inappropriate behaviour through the force’s Bad Apple process.

Lee said: “I know that people still fear speaking out due to reprisals and are sceptical that appropriate action will be taken in some circumstances.”
 
The Federation are hoping with a new chief officer group, people will feel confident in challenging inappropriate behaviour moving forward.
 
Lee concluded: “Finally, we would like to thank all police officers and staff for their hard work and contribution in continuing to rigorously protect the communities of Humberside Police.”