Special measures move is 'no reflection on frontline officers' says Fed secretary

12 March 2024

Nottinghamshire Police Federation Secretary Tom Hill says it’s ‘no reflection on frontline officers’ that the Force has been moved into an enhanced level of monitoring.

Tom said officers were doing their best in difficult conditions as he called for ‘strong leadership and direction’ to take the Force out of special measures.

He said: “This is no reflection on the hard work and dedication of frontline officers.

“Cops are going out there and doing their best in difficult conditions day after day.

“They’re having ever-increasing demands placed on them and this is another kick in the teeth for them.

“They are now looking for strong leadership and direction from line managers and senior leaders to move the force forward."

Tom was responding to a decision by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to put the Force into an enhanced level of monitoring.

He said that austerity, cuts to funding, officer numbers and resources have all had a significant impact on policing.

“The cuts we’ve had to police funding and policing in general have been significant and our members are doing more than ever with less.

“Crime is more complex than it’s ever been, people expect more from the police but without us getting more resources, and unfortunately something has got to give.”

The full findings of the assessment have not yet been released to the Force, but it has been issued with ‘two accelerated causes for concern’.

The inspectorate has advised that the Force needs to improve ‘how it manages and carries out effective investigations to make sure that victims get the support they need’.

The second cause for concern from HMICFRS relates to their observation that the force doesn’t have adequate processes, planning or governance arrangements in place to monitor performance or identify where improvements are required.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “As Chief Constable I recognise the serious nature of the HMICFRS findings. I have taken urgent action to address the immediate concerns raised and have ensured that all of the initial recommendations that relate to our investigations and support for victims have been completed.”

She added: “I fully acknowledge that our Force has work to do to achieve our vision of being an outstanding Force that we can all be proud of. I am fully committed to working with HMICFRS and we will work tirelessly to address their concerns and deliver the best possible service for the people of Nottinghamshire.”

Read the Force’s and CC Meynell’s statement in full.

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