Inspectors 'concerned' at how force ensures safety

A police watchdog has raised concerns over how a force is "keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing victims with an effective service".

Hertfordshire Police was graded in nine areas and rated as good in one, adequate in three, requiring improvement in four and inadequate in one.

His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher said: "I have been in contact with the chief constable, as I don't underestimate how much improvement is needed."

Conservative police and crime commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said he wanted to see improvements "made at pace" and chief constable Charlie Hall said he was confident the force's performance was already better.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) assessed the force from December 2023 to June 2024.

It found it required improvement in how it responded to the public, investigated crime, protected vulnerable people and in its leadership and force management.

It was rated good at crime prevention and deterrence, but inspectors had "serious concerns" over the recording of data about crime.

“The constabulary must take steps to improve its emergency call handling and make sure it attends non-emergency calls within set times," Mr Wilsher said.

However, he praised the force's early intervention into preventing crime and how it dealt with stop and search.

He told the BBC that although the watchdog would continue to closely monitor the force, "the population of Hertfordshire should not be too worried as I'm sure they will improve soon".

Responding to the report, Mr Hall said a "strong focus" had been applied to the issues raised and that "considerable improvements" had already been made in crime recording.

Mr Hall said: "We will be looking to improve services further, address the inspector’s concerns and build on the good practice outlined in the report.”

He said he had invited HMICFRS back in the New Year to assess progress.

Ash-Edwards said the report would assist him in holding the chief constable to account and considering the resources the force would need in next year’s budget.

"There are clearly sections of the report which are a concern and where I want to see improvements made at pace," he said.

However, he said he was pleased the force was "acting accordingly" in light of the report, due to be discussed at an accountability and performance meeting on 14 November.

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