West Mercia Police commended for innovative practice in prevention of crime and anti-social behaviour and Chief Constable declares commitment to improve investigations
The Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) report has commended West Mercia Police for our innovative approach to early intervention and prevention of crime and anti-social behaviour across our counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) also graded three areas of business as requiring improvement; ‘investigating crime efficiently’, ‘how we respond to the public’ and ‘improving our operating efficiency through technology and data’. Steps towards improving these are already well underway.
Chief Constable Pippa Mills has welcomed the report, she said:
“We agree with HMICFRS‘s assessment that we still need to do more to improve supervision of investigations and the quality and consistency of updating victims. Improvement work has already begun and is progressing at pace. This includes a focus on the standard of investigations and providing a better service to victims through improved and meaningful contact.
“It was recognised in the report that we answer our emergency calls promptly but more can be done to ensure each victim is provided appropriate advice.
“We agree that our technology and use of data needs improvement. We are on track to deliver an investment programme to modernise our digital service and the way that we use data to keep the public safe.
“The report highlighted our innovative preventative approach to preventing crime and anti-social behaviour across the force to keep our communities safe. We have trained 16 Early Intervention and Prevention officers who work with various partners to safeguard vulnerable people.
“Our Local Policing Community Charter has improved our engagement and helps deliver the service our communities expect and rightly deserve.
“Since arriving in West Mercia Police in September, I’ve focussed on making sure we work more efficiently and effectively. I am proud of the people that make up West Mercia Police and their commitment to providing a quality policing service and protecting people from harm.”
West Mercia Police say they have now implemented a system of prompts for call handlers in relation to forensic evidence advice as well as learning packages to be undertaken to ensure each victim is provided the appropriate advice at their first point of contact.
Investigation work improvements will be supported by an additional investment in 73 officers to enhance investigations, as part of an increase of 125 additional officers by March 2023. West Mercia Police are currently recruiting for officers to help the area to become an even safer West Mercia. To find out about the various ways of joining visit https://www.westmercia.police.uk/police-forces/west-mercia-police/areas/west-mercia/ca/careers/new-police-officers/
