Devon and Cornwall Police must make urgent improvements after it was found to be inadequate in several areas, the police inspectorate has said.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded Devon and Cornwall Police’s performance across nine areas of policing and found the force was ‘inadequate’ in three areas, ‘requires improvement’ in two areas, ‘adequate’ in two areas and ‘good’ in two areas.
HMICFRS inadequate areas
HMICFRS said the inadequate areas included recording data about crime, responding to the public and managing offenders.
In October 2022, HMICFRS placed Devon and Cornwall Police into its enhanced monitoring stage, Engage.
Assessing or managing the risks posed
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Wendy Williams, said: "I have concerns about Devon and Cornwall Police’s performance in keeping people safe and reducing crime – particularly about the accuracy of its crime recording, its response to the public, and its management of sexual and violent offenders."
She adds, "The force doesn’t always record crimes against vulnerable victims, particularly violent or behavioral crimes, and anti-social behavior. Failure to record a crime often results in victims not being properly safeguarded and no investigation taking place."
Wendy Williams continues, "Our inspection also found that the force is not adequately assessing or managing the risks posed by registered sexual and violent offenders."
Additional scrutiny and support
Wendy Williams further states: "However, we did find good examples of the force working well with other organizations to prioritize the prevention and deterrence of crime. We also found that members of the workforce are well supported to do their jobs."
She adds, "Last year, in view of these findings, we moved Devon and Cornwall Police into our enhanced monitoring process, which provides additional scrutiny and support. I have also been in regular contact with the chief constable to monitor the force’s progress against these important and necessary changes."