Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone has asked the Chief Constable for assurance that work is underway to improve how Northamptonshire Police investigates crime.
In an assessment published today (Wednesday 3 June) His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services said that while they are satisfied with many aspects of the Force’s performance, Northamptonshire Police is inadequate in crime investigation, and a formal cause of concern has been issued.
Danielle said that while she understands the challenges facing the Force from increased demand and complexity of incidents, and while areas of good practice are highlighted, she was troubled by the finding that crime investigation is delivering fewer positive outcomes for victims.
Danielle said that improvement plans must be implemented much more quickly so that the public, and particularly victims of crime, can see a difference.
“Investigating crime is one of the fundamental roles of policing and the Inspectors’ finding is troubling – victims must be served better. I have asked the Chief Constable to improve standards as quickly as possible,” Danielle said.
The Force is undertaking a fundamental review of its operating model that Danielle said will support officers and staff in responding to calls for service and managing demand. But she said this work must be gripped, in the interests of both the public and police officers and staff.
“Demand and complexity of incidents often outstrip the capacity to deliver. That places officers and staff under intense pressure. But people have a right to expect that if they report a crime, police will respond promptly, and it will be investigated as thoroughly as possible. That must get better.
“I am pleased that the Inspectors are satisfied with many areas and agree that the Chief Constable and his team are reshaping the culture. I am grateful to every police officer and staff for all the work they do, every day, to keep people safe. Now there must be a focus on delivering on the improvement plans.”
Danielle said that she has asked for a verbal briefing, ahead of receiving a full action plan, with clear timescales, to show how the Chief Constable is going to tackle the cause of concern. Progress will be monitored through the regular accountability process.
And Danielle added that she wanted to acknowledge the many areas of the Force’s work that are not covered by the Inspection: “This report is an independent view of certain aspects of the Force’s performance, which helps me in my role of holding the Chief Constable to account.
“I’m grateful for the Inspectors’ work on this. However, it doesn’t take into account the important work that is being done in neighbourhoods to tackle local issues, or with retailers, or to improve how road traffic collisions are dealt with, for example. These are issues that matter to people, and where I know that the Force is having an impact.
“I am pleased that the report shows areas where Northamptonshire Police is leading the way – two of them are through joint work with my Early Intervention teams, and I will continue to support the Force with targeted intervention to prevent crime and reduce demand.
“But standards of investigation and responding to calls for service need to be better. I will report back on the progress being made to deal swiftly with the cause of concern and make the other improvements necessary.”
