PEEL Inspection findings are not a reflection of officers' hard work, says Fed

16 May 2025

West Mercia Police Federation says the findings of a report by the police inspectorate was ‘not a reflection of the hard work of members’.

Branch secretary Steve Butler said officers were ‘working tirelessly in an increasingly stressful and complex role’.

He said: “This report is not a reflection of our hard working members who continue to work tirelessly in an ever increasing stressful role.

“Complexity and demand is higher than ever and our workforce is often subjected to verbal and physical abuse.

“Double crewing, officer safety, and workload continue to be a massive issue, along with frustrations about IT.

“It is also disappointing to see that our members are concerned about speaking out.

Fatigue

“Reports of officers unable to get annual leave and working on their rest days resonate with a lot of our members.

“This inevitably results in fatigue, psychological burnout and errors and ultimately increases long term sickness. It can become a vicious cycle.”

Steve was responding on behalf of the branch to a PEEL (police effectiveness, efficiency, and legitimacy) report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS)

The inspection found the Force to be ‘good’ in one area, ‘adequate’ in four and ‘requiring improvement’ in four.

The Force was good at recording data about crime. The report said it was adequate at investigating crime; preventing and deterring crime and anti-social behaviour, and reducing vulnerability; managing offenders and suspects; and use of police powers and treating the public fairly and respectfully.

It required improvement in responding to the public; protecting vulnerable people; building, supporting, and protecting the workforce; and leadership and force management.

Dedicated officers

Steve said: “As a local Federation, we remain committed to being that voice in order to hold the Force to account and ultimately improve the service for the public and our dedicated officers.

"I don't think it would be fair for us to simply point the finger at the Force. As the Federation, we need to do better to support our members, and hold the Force to account when necessary.

"As a Federation, we have a duty to make change - and we should take note of the PEEL report, so we can improve the service and support we provide to our members."

Sir Andy Cooke, HM Inspector of Constabulary, said: “I am satisfied with some aspects of the performance of West Mercia Police in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing victims with an effective service, but there are areas in which the force needs to improve.”

He said the Force had ‘made significant efforts to improve investigative standards’ but that it did not always understand what support victims needed and were entitled to. 

 

Sir Andy Cooke, HM Inspector of Constabulary.

 

Sir Andy said: “I am pleased to see the force has continued to prioritise the prevention of crime.

“During this inspection we found that neighbourhood teams were well staffed, effectively communicating with their communities and striving to solve local problems. “They take a problem-solving approach to addressing local issues and make sure the most vulnerable are supported.

“I am also pleased to see the force has improved how it manages offenders.

“We found the investigation of child sex abuse images was of a good standard. But the force needs to do more work to make sure it offers a consistent service in managing the risks posed by registered sex offenders.”

Sir Andy said the Force was not answering emergency calls as quickly as it should, but was improving.

Emergency calls

He said: “The force has created good welfare and well-being support for its workforce.

“Despite this, officers and staff aren’t always receiving the support they require. “The lack of a suitable case management system limits the force’s ability to understand when support is requested and where improvements are needed.”

Sir Andy concluded: “West Mercia Police has made some improvements, but still has work to do. Areas that still need attention are its IT infrastructure, improvements in data collection and analysis, and implementing a new operating model.

“All of this is set against a very challenging financial position, which will undoubtedly have an effect on the decisions it makes.”

Richard Cooper, West Mercia Police Chief Constable, acknowledged the findings and said the Force was already acting on them.

Safe places to live

“The counties we serve — Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire — remain safe places to live” he said.

“I’m pleased the report reflects some of the good work already underway, there is much to be proud of.

“But this report does not reflect the consistently superb service that I and all my colleagues want to provide.

“We know where there are further improvements to be made beyond those we’ve already achieved and, together with the PCC, we are determined to make those changes.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion added: “I know the public have high expectations, so it’s important we use the findings as a platform to drive further change. 

“Together, with the new Chief Constable, action is already taking place to address concerns and it’s my expectation that this progress continues at pace. 

“West Mercia Police is full of hardworking police officers and staff who are on the thin blue line keeping communities safe – it’s on the Chief Constable and I to set them up to succeed.”

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