North Yorkshire Police Federation says it will work with chief officers and the crime commissioner to ensure members’ voices are central to any plans arising from the latest HMICFRS inspection.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has published the findings of its PEEL inspection, which assesses effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy of police forces.

It graded North Yorkshire Police as good in six areas: leadership and force management; attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce; using powers fairly, appropriately and with justification; preventing and deterring crime and antisocial behaviour and reducing vulnerability; safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm; and managing fraud.

The Force was found to be adequate in two areas: responding to the public and investigating crime. And it requires further improvement in providing a safe and lawful custody environment.

Michelle Skeer OBE QPM, HMICFRS’s chief inspector, said the Force had a stable chief officer team which, with regular briefings, was ‘positive for its future performance and culture’.

She said: “I am pleased with the performance of North Yorkshire Police in keeping people safe, reducing crime and giving victims an effective service.

“The Force has made improvements since our last inspection, particularly in its leadership and support for the workforce. But I have concerns about how the force is managing its custody areas.”

She added: “I am optimistic that North Yorkshire Police will continue to make improvements.”

Rob Bowles, chair of North Yorkshire Police Federation, said the report needed to be viewed in the context of increasing operational complexity, rising public expectations, and the ongoing workforce pressures affecting policing nationally.

Extraordinary commitment

He said: “The report rightly recognises the professionalism, dedication, and resilience of our members.

“Achieving six ‘good’ gradings is a reflection of the extraordinary commitment shown by them every day.

“But where improvements are required, it is vital that responsibility is not placed solely on the shoulders of our hardworking officers.

“Policing cannot continue to deliver more with less indefinitely. Investment in people, training, infrastructure, and custody facilities is essential if the Force is to continue to improve and meet the exacting standards people rightly expect.

“Our members remain fully committed to providing the best possible service, but they must be given the resources, staffing levels, and wellbeing support needed to succeed.”

Officers' voices

Rob added: “The Federation will work with all stakeholders, including the chief officer team, the Crime Commissioner, and our national Federation colleagues, to ensure officers’ voices are part of any improvement plans arising from this inspection.

“The Force’s continued progress depends on investment in frontline policing and meaningful engagement with the officers who serve and protect our communities.”

Read the HMICFRS report in full.

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