WEST MIDLANDS Police has been told to improve how it manages sex offenders to control the risk to the public.
Inspectors from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found the force was ‘good’ in five areas, ‘adequate’ in three areas and ‘requires improvement’ in three areas.
The three classed as ‘requires improvement’ were investigating crime, supporting victims and protecting vulnerable people.
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said: “West Midlands Police also needs to improve its management of sex offenders.
“It should make sure it has the capacity and capability to mitigate the risk sex offenders pose to the public.”
The report noted some staff who manage or investigate sex offenders lack confidence in the processes they should follow when examining digital devices.
It also found WMP should improve how it investigates reported crime.
HMICFRS also said West Midlands Police was performing well in protecting the public from armed threats, and dealing with national priority crime areas including terrorism, child sexual abuse, cyber-threats, serious and organised crime, public emergencies and threats to public order.
In response to the report deputy chief constable Vanessa Jardine said: “We have already addressed most of the issues identified in the management of sex offenders.”
