Police force must improve at investigating crimes

West Yorkshire Police (WYP) must improve how it investigates crime after an inspection by the national watchdog identified the force closing cases despite there being potential lines of inquiry.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said the force was adequate in three of eight areas, but must do better in five - including investigation of crime.

In the year to the end of September 2025, 10% of victim-based crimes, those against an individual or organisation, had "positive outcomes", including charges or cautions, up from 8% at the previous inspection.

The force said it welcomed the findings and continued to work to improve the service it provided.

HMICFRS inspectors said they found delays in the allocation of crimes to investigation teams and patrol.

In September 2025, they found more 900 crimes unallocated in district queues, with some dating back to May of that year.

Inspectors also found crimes waiting for review by the force crime registrar during a visit in October 2025. These included 412 rape finalisations or reclassifications. The oldest had been in the queue since December 2024.

HMICFRS also discovered that crimes which had potential lines of inquiry were being closed after an initial review without being allocated for investigation.

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer OBE QPM said she was "satisfied with some aspects" of the force's performance in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing an effective service to victims.

She said the force had made improvements since the previous inspection - particularly in its use of police powers, performance data and personal development review processes.

"However, I have concerns about how it is managing demand, investigating crime, and safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm," she explained.

HMICFRS said the force showed consistently strong performance in answering calls as well as effective oversight of stop and search and use of powers.

However, the report raised concerns about how some governance meetings at WYP were not taking place or were ineffective, with some examples of poor leadership.

The inspectorate said that while the force was achieving better outcomes for victims, it needed to improve further, with many officers experiencing high workloads and struggling to cope with demand.

"During our inspection, we gave the force feedback, which it acted on at pace. I am optimistic that the leadership team, together with its committed officers and staff, will continue to make progress and I will continue to monitor its progress," Skeer added.

Chief Constable Sir John Robins said the force welcomed the feedback.

"HMICFRS rightly highlights the areas where the force should improve, and acknowledges that the signs of improvement are already under way. The inspection also recognises the significant progress we have made since their last visit and, most importantly, the overall performance continuing to strengthen.

"We recognise there is more to do. We are working hard to bolster our investigations and to deliver a consistent high-quality service to everyone who needs us."

Robins said ongoing work to improve performance had resulted in crime rates falling by 9% and a 25% increase in prosecution of offenders.

West Yorkshire's Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Alison Lowe said: "While a number of the Inspector's findings underline the need for improvement, I know the force is already acting upon the issues identified."

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