Fed calls for investment in staff and resources following HMICFRS report
6 November 2023
It comes after the police watchdog told the Force to improve how it investigates crimes, supervises investigations and updates victims.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) revisited the Force after an initial inspection in 2021 identified a number of areas as a cause for concern.
Inspectors found:
- The force has improved how it keeps victims updated on the progress of investigations and how it completes victim needs assessments.
- The force has improved how it consults victims regarding the outcomes of investigations.
- The force has made a slight improvement in how it records victims’ decisions and their reasons for withdrawing support for investigations.
- The force hasn’t improved how effectively crimes are supervised.
- The force should improve how quickly it answers 999 calls, how often callers abandon 101 calls and how promptly it attends incidents.
Pete said: “This HMICFRS report is not a reflection on individual officers, who are working tirelessly to serve our communities.
“Our frontline supervisors are working harder than ever before and demand for our services is spiralling - we’ve busier than ever before.
“We need to invest in training, adequate staffing, and appropriate supervisor to staff ratio to help improve the service and meet the high standards that the people of West Mercia expect.
“We also need investment to ensure that officers have enough vehicles and the appropriate kit to be able to perform their role.
“And we need stability in terms of IT provision, which over recent years has had a negative impact on the service and increased work pressure on officers and staff.”
HMICFRS said that in the next three months the Force needed to:
- make sure investigation plans are created where applicable, with supervisory oversight ensuring that all investigative opportunities are taken; and
- make sure victims are regularly updated in line with the Victims’ Code and that victim needs assessments and victim personal statements are recorded when appropriate, so victims are provided with suitable support services throughout the investigation.
Wendy Williams, His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, said: “We found that West Mercia Police has made progress against some of the cause of concern recommendations that we focused on in this revisit.
“But it needs to do more in relation to supervision and the allocation of investigation plans.
“The force needs to improve how it responds to the public, particularly in how effectively it answers 999 and 101 calls and attends incidents. We will continue to monitor the force’s performance in these areas.
“While I recognise the positive progress the force has made, I confirm that the existing cause of concern will remain.”
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I welcome the latest report from HMICFRS, as it is another way to ensure that victims receive a level of service they expect from their police force. Becoming a victim of crime can be a terrifying ordeal for many, therefore it is vital these individuals are supported throughout the process.
“I will continue to ensure West Mercia Police is making the improvements it needs to, specifically against the outstanding areas of concern, for the sake of all victims and those who need a response from their police service.”
