IMPROVEMENTS to services at West Midlands Police have been noted by a watchdog.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMICFRS) inspectors visited the force in May and June after being put into special measures and an enhanced level of monitoring last year
Inspectors focused on the areas that were identified as ‘of concern’ during the previous visit, which was part of the police efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy (PEEL) programme.
This included the management of risk posed to the public by registered sex offenders, the management of the risk posed by online child abuse offenders and ensuring its multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARACs) work effectively to keep vulnerable people safe.
In a letter Lee Freeman, His Majesty’s inspector of constabulary and fire and rescue services, noted ‘the force has successfully addressed the backlog of high-risk cases for discussion at MARACs’ and it has addressed the increased demand for support from its online child sexual exploitation team (OCSET) and reduced the backlog of cases awaiting assessment.
The letter said inspectors found the force’s operating model now supports the effective management of registered sex offenders.
However, it was noted that the force needs to make sure that members of the MARAC from other organisations understand the force’s MARAC criteria clearly, so they can have confidence in them.
Mr Freeman said: “I am pleased to confirm that, following these sustained improvements in the force’s performance, these three causes of concern are now closed.
“There is one cause of concern remaining. This relates to how the force carries out effective investigations leading to satisfactory results for victims.
“I recognise the effort the force is making to resolve this outstanding cause of concern and will review the force’s progress later this year.”
Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to achieve this success in the quickest time possible. These improvements are testament to the hard work of our officers and staff plus some excellent leadership across the force.
“We are continuing to work hard to address the final cause of concern flagged by HMICFRS around our investigations. It is really pleasing to know that inspectors have recognised the progress already made to resolve this and we look forward to this area being formally reviewed in September.
“I am thrilled to also reveal that alongside making these improvements HMICFRS has also been impressed by the improvements the force has made to its custody processes. Four long standing areas of concern in this area have also been successfully concluded.”
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “I have been committed to holding West Midlands Police to account and working with the Chief Constable, HMICFRS and other relevant partners to ensure the action was taken to address the four causes of concern.
“I am pleased that, as a consequence of the action taken, HMICFRS has acknowledged sustained improvements in the force’s performance, regarding three of the four causes of concern. I will continue to hold West Midlands Police to account, to ensure sustained improvements in the investigation of crime.
“I am committed to constant and unremitting action, to ensure the people of the West Midlands receive the service from West Midlands Police, that they are entitled to.”
