Cleveland Police has improved in some areas but further changes are needed to keep people safer and reduce crime, the police inspectorate has said.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded Cleveland Police’s performance across ten areas of policing and found the force was ‘good’ in one area, ‘adequate’ in four areas, ‘requires improvement’ in three areas and ‘inadequate’ in two areas.
Concerns about its performance
Cleveland Police remains in the inspectorate’s enhanced monitoring stage, Engage
HMICFRS said the good area was crime data integrity. The inadequate areas included preventing crime and the use of resources. Cleveland Police remains in the inspectorate’s enhanced monitoring stage, Engage.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke said: “I am pleased with how Cleveland Police has improved since the arrival of the current chief constable, who has brought greater stability. However, I still have some concerns about its performance in keeping people safe and reducing crime."
“The force has significantly improved its crime recording and made good progress in improving how it records the use of force and its understanding of how it uses stop and search."
Investigations lack a structured plan and fit supervision
Cooke added: “However, the force still needs to get better at investigating reported crimes. Our inspection found that some investigations lack a structured plan and appropriate supervision. The force also needs to ensure officers and staff have the knowledge and confidence to fully assess a person’s vulnerability."
“The challenges facing Cleveland Police shouldn’t be underestimated and the force remains under our enhanced monitoring, but I am optimistic that the trajectory and pace of improvement will continue this year. The force is undergoing significant change and restructuring as part of the chief constable’s long-term plans, and I will continue to closely monitor its progress.”
