Suffolk Constabulary needs to improve how it responds to the public and protects vulnerable victims, the police inspectorate has said.
review of the Suffolk Constabulary
Suffolk Constabulary needs to improve how it responds to the public and protects vulnerable victims, the police inspectorate has said.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded Suffolk Constabulary’s performance across nine areas of policing and found the constabulary was good in three areas, adequate in three areas, requires improvement in two areas, and inadequate in one area.
Emergency and non-emergency calls
The inspectorate said the constabulary needs to improve its response to the public
HMICFRS said the constabulary works well with communities – including those that are seldom-heard – to gather information to set and address local priorities. It also said the constabulary has improved its ability to achieve well-supervised, better-quality investigations.
However, the inspectorate said the constabulary needs to improve its response to the public, particularly the time it takes to answer emergency and non-emergency calls. It also said that Suffolk Constabulary must ensure processes are in place to safeguard victims effectively.
How much improvement is needed
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary - Roy Wilsher said: "I am pleased with some aspects of the performance of Suffolk Constabulary in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing victims with an effective service."
He adds, "However, there are areas in which it needs to improve. I have concerns about how the constabulary is responding to the public and have been in contact with the chief constable, as I do not underestimate how much improvement is needed."
Leadership in six months
Roy Wilsher continues: "The constabulary had a change in leadership in the six months leading up to our inspection, and it’s clear that the new team has a clear objective, focusing on workforce culture, behavior, and standards."
He further states, "I am pleased with the way the constabulary has responded to my concerns, and I will be monitoring progress closely."
