WEST MIDLANDS police has been rated ‘requires improvement’ on how it protects vulnerable people including domestic violence victims.
A report published by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) gave the rating and noted officers did not always carry out a mandatory assessment while at domestic violence incidents and some reports lacked ‘important information.’
The inspectorate says control room staff need to use risk assessment tools consistently, the force needs to ‘improve supervisory oversight in the control room to support effective operational work and help manage backlogs of non-emergency incidents.’
The mental health triage service, which the force runs jointly with NHS partner agencies, is effective and well regarded by officers and staff, according to the report.
It adds there is a clear commitment to supporting vulnerable victims is evident across the force.
Previous reports commented on how West Midlands Police records crime and in the latest report it was still noted as a concern but, because of continuing work to improve this, it was agreed not to re-inspect that area on this occasion.
HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said: “I am pleased with most aspects of West Midlands Police’s performance in keeping people safe and reducing crime.
“I am particularly pleased with its efficiency planning. But it needs to make improvements in its effectiveness to provide a consistently good service.
“The force is good at investigating crime and tackling serious and organised crime. However, the force needs to improve how it protects vulnerable people. It needs to be more consistent in the way it assesses the risk and responds to vulnerable people.”
She added she remains concerned about how the force responds to its current demand but it has a comprehensive understanding of its future demand by using detailed knowledge to inform its future financial planning and workforce development.
Ms Williams said: “The force continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote standards of professional behaviour well. However, the extent of the backlog for staff vetting is a cause for concern.
“Overall, I commend West Midlands Police for the progress it has made over the past year. This gives a good foundation for continuing improvement in the year ahead.”
The force has welcomed the report and its findings.
Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe said: “I’m pleased HMICFRS made such efforts to understand our strengths and challenges.
“The areas for improvement are consistent with our own aspirations so I’m confident we will be even better next time.”
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson added: “Despite a huge rise in demand on West Midlands Police and a continued squeeze on our resources the independent inspectorate have rated the force as ‘good.’
“There are still clear improvements to be made, especially how the police deals with people with vulnerabilities. I will continue to hold the force to account to make sure those improvements are delivered on.
“This report commends West Midlands Police for the efficiencies we have driven and new technology we have introduced. Despite that I am doing all I can to ensure we are as efficient as possible.
“The efficiencies we have driven have enabled me to announce an increase in officer numbers by 200 over the next two years.”