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Thursday, February 18, 2016

North Wales - Police need to improve after report finds officers out of their depth in 'high-risk' cases

North Wales Police overpaid a phone bill by more than £500,000
While the force's overall rating was "good" inspectors said there was room for improvement

Report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’ reveals "shortcomings" in how force operates

A new report out today has revealed some police officers in North Wales are out of their depth when investigating "high-risk" crimes.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s , (HMIC) document also calls for the force to improve at keeping people safe, slashing crime and protecting vulnerable people.
While rated as “good” overall - in particular at tackling serious and organised crime - HMIC inspectors stressed the need for improvements in other areas.
The report states: “Some minor improvements are needed in how North Wales Police assesses the impact of tactics used to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour; nevertheless the force uses a broad range of interventions to resolve local problems and is supported well by partner service providers.
“North Wales Police’s approach to investigating crime has some shortcomings.
“The force’s policy for allocating crime to investigators is not clearly understood by the workforce.
“We found examples of frontline officers undertaking investigations that were beyond their level of training and experience, including high-risk domestic abuse cases .
“This means that the service to victims might fall short of the required standard.”
According to North Wales Police the HMIC inspection on which the report was based took place in October 2015 with inspectors feeling control room operators could be more effective at identifying vulnerable callers.
Supt Alex Goss from the force control room said: “Since the inspection took place the control room has undertaken significant work supported by partner agencies. This has enhanced the knowledge of the call taking operators in their ability to identify vulnerability at the point of call. Significant investments in technology and bespoke training has allowed us to be able to do this.”
Eryl CrumpSupt Alex Goss in the North Wales Police control room at St Asaph
Supt Alex Goss in the North Wales Police control room at St Asaph
Referring to the call for improvement in investigating crime and managing offenders, Assistant Chief Constable Richard Debick said: “Since the inspection changes have been made to the way we work both internally and with partners to address these concerns and I am confident that we are now delivering more effectively in both these areas.
“We will also be looking closely at the findings and recommendations within the final report to identify and address any areas for improvement”.

"Pressure"

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick CB, QC said: “This is an encouraging report which highlights the achievements of the force in a number of areas at a time when it has been under considerable pressure to reduce spending.”
Across England and Wales, HMIC graded just one force (Durham Constabulary) as outstanding; 24 forces as good; and 18 forces as requiring improvement.
No force was found to be inadequate.
Inspector of Constabulary Zoë Billingham, who led the HMIC inspection, said: “The job of the inspectorate is to shine a light on both good performance, and on things that need to improve; and this inspection found both.”
see-http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-police-need-improve-10908881

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