Police force 'inadequate at responding to public'

Staffordshire Police were inadequate at responding to the public and there were concerns about how it investigated crime, a report has found.

The force was not attending priority incidents within its two-hour target often enough, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said.

It added that some investigations were not being allocated to officers with the appropriate skills or training, but that there were improvements in how vulnerable people were safeguarded and how stop-and-search powers were used.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "We acknowledge the findings of the latest HMICFRS PEEL inspection, which highlights both areas where we have made progress and clear priorities for further improvement."

The watchdog found Staffordshire Police's performance in responding to the public was inadequate, despite raising this as a concern two years ago.

His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, Kathryn Stone OBE, said: "It is particularly concerning that, despite our 2024 inspection highlighting that the force needed to improve how it responds to the public, we found that performance in this area was inadequate.

"I expect the force to address these issues with urgency, and I will continue to monitor its performance."

Although the quality of service the force provided to callers at the first point of contact had improved, "too many non-emergency calls are being abandoned", inspectors added.

Acting Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, Becky Riggs, said: "We know that answering calls quickly and attending incidents promptly is fundamental to public confidence, and we are already taking action to improve in these areas.

"To support this, we have invested in an additional 53 police officers and 15 members of police staff in our contact and control functions."

HMICFRS explained it graded performance in nine areas and -as well as the one area marked 'inadequate' - it found the force was 'adequate' in five areas and 'required improvement' in three areas.

The five areas included attracting, developing and retaining the workforce and creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

However, the watchdog said it also found "officers and staff from under-represented groups, including people with neurodivergent conditions and those from ethnic minority backgrounds didn't always feel supported in the workplace".

Other 'adequate' areas included using powers fairly, appropriately and with justification, safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm and providing a safe and lawful custody environment.

In response, Staffordshire Police said it recognised that the report highlighted challenges in understanding and responding to current and future demand, improving consistency in investigations, strengthening governance and oversight, and addressing several longstanding issues where further progress is required.

Work was under way to address issues partly through enhanced performance monitoring, it added.

In addition, the force confirmed the report also highlighted the strength of its partnership working to protect those at risk, and acknowledged its commitment to prevention and neighbourhood policing.

Riggs added: "Our officers and staff are working hard under significant demand, and I want to thank them for their professionalism and commitment.

"We are focused on supporting them while delivering the improvements our communities rightly expect. We remain committed to keeping people safe and to providing the service that the public and victims deserve."

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