Force missed chances to stop anti-social behaviour

Essex Police missed opportunities to stop anti-social behaviour by failing to record where crimes had occurred, a report found.

It meant victims were not always given the support they needed, according to His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service (HMICFRS).

However, it was noted "operational challenges" had been created by the force's funding position, already described as "unfair" by its chief constable.

Roy Wilsher, inspector of constabulary, concluded he was "satisfied" with most aspects of Essex Police's work, but said some areas needed improvement.

"While I congratulate the police officers and police staff of Essex Police for their efforts to keep the public safe, I will monitor progress in the areas where I feel the force needs to improve," he said.

Mr Wilsher praised the force's leadership for its commitment to retaining officers and supporting well-being, in the face of strained finances.

In its budget last year, Essex Police received £40m less than Merseyside Police, despite covering an area five times greater in size.

The force's response to anti-social behaviour was highlighted as a concern in the HMICFRS report, published on Wednesday.

Essex Police recorded almost half the national average of those incidents in the year to March 2024.

However, the report suggested this may have been due in part to inconsistent recording methods.

Mr Wilsher wrote: "Failing to record crimes and effectively tackle anti-social behaviour can mean that victims live in fear in their own homes."

He also warned that repeat and vulnerable victims were not being identified, meaning risk assessments were not always completed.

"By failing to carry out adequate, consistent risk assessments, the force isn't always giving victims the support they need," the inspector added.

In the report, the force was commended for making "considerable investment" in tackling domestic violence.

It was also praised for encouraging two-way communication with communities, to build confidence in policing.

Progress made with public relations in the Castle Point borough was noted as a positive case study.

The report also highlighted a positive work culture, welfare provision for staff and officers and valuing neighbourhood policing teams.

However, the force was told it must improve processes for sharing information with social care teams and monitoring suspects on conditional bail.

The report also identified a high rate (26%) of 101 calls being abandoned after receiving no answer.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said he was pleased improvements made by the force had been recognised.

"Ensuring that we look after our people so they can serve the people of Essex is essential," he said.

Mr Harrington repeated his claim that Essex Police was "unfairly funded" and said a new portal had been created to better support victims.

He said it was good to see improvements in the force control room had been noted, although stressed more had to be done to answer the phone quicker.

"To be assessed as 'adequate' across the complex range of services we deliver is recognition of the immense work by our officers, staff and volunteers along with the strong partnerships we have across Essex," Mr Harrington continued.

"There are areas identified where we need to improve and, in every area, we want to get better.

"We are already working on these and this is acknowledged in the report."

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