Three of Yorkshire’s police forces are told to improve
THREE OF the region’s police forces have been told to raise their game following inspections, it has been revealed.
North Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Police and Humberside Police were among 10 forces nationwide deemed to need improvement by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
West Yorkshire Police was one of 30 forces classed as good in efficiency reports examining how well they understand demand, use resources and plan for the future.
Responding to the findings, North Yorkshire Police’s assistant chief constable Phil Cain said: “Policing is about keeping people safe, and overall as a force we achieve some very positive results. North Yorkshire remains the safest county in England, we are one of only two forces to have actually reduced crime in this inspection period, and our public confidence rate is the highest in the country.
“That makes it especially disappointing to receive such an out-of-character assessment, and we are absolutely determined to put that right.
“The actual HMICFRS inspection took place six months ago, and represents a snapshot of the situation at that time. Since then we have made progress against their recommendations.”
Humberside Police’s assistant chief constable Scott Young said: “We have worked hard to make some significant progress in the last 12 months and are pleased that the HMICFRS has recognised this in their report. Although the overall grade remains the same as last year, it’s clear from the commentary how far we’ve come.”
HMICFRS said: “While most forces throughout England and Wales have risen impressively to the challenges they face, policing remains under significant stress. Forces’ plans for the future need to be more ambitious and innovative; in the cases of those which fail in this, the problems facing those forces could potentially prove overwhelming.”
Policing Minister Nick Hurd said the report identified “vitally important areas” where police and crime commissioners and chief constables “should be more ambitious and improve efficiency across forces”.
He added: “The Government recognises that demand on the police is changing and we are sensitive to the pressures they face.”
National Police Chiefs’ Council chair Sara Thornton said: “Police forces are determined to spend their money with efficiency and to innovate to adapt and improve our services.”