North Yorkshire must make improvements to help keep people safe and reduce crime, the police inspectorate has said.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded North Yorkshire Police’s performance across eight areas of policing and found the force was ‘inadequate’ in one area, ‘requires improvement’ in four areas, ‘adequate’ in two areas and ‘good’ in one area.
Performance of North Yorkshire Police
HMICFRS said the areas requiring improvement included responding to the public, investigating crime, protecting vulnerable people, and building and developing its workforce. The inadequate area was its use of resources.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher said: “I have concerns about the performance of North Yorkshire Police in keeping people safe and reducing crime. In particular, I have serious concerns about its strategic planning and organisational management."
Oversight of its enabling services
HMICFRS said areas requiring advance included reacting to the public, exploring crime and people
Wilsher added: “Senior pioneers in the force need to ensure they have effective oversight of its enabling services, such as IT and HR functions. Failures in these areas impact the service the force provides."
“North Yorkshire Police also needs to improve the speed with which it answers and responds to emergency calls. The force is well below the national standard, with only 41.9 percent of 999 calls being answered within 10 seconds."
Cause of concern and areas of improvement
Wilsher added: “However, we did find that the force works well with partner organisations to safeguard vulnerable people. We found good examples of the force working with other organizations to divert young people away from offending and to reduce the vulnerability of people who may become victims of crime."
“Although I have concerns about corporate processes, I am pleased that the force has accepted our findings and is engaging with us and other partner organizations to ensure improvements are made. I remain in regular contact with the chief constable and will monitor the force’s progress towards addressing the cause of concern and areas of improvement I have established.”
