Inspectors rate police inadequate at safeguarding
PA MediaDevon and Cornwall Police has been rated as inadequate in the areas of safeguarding adults and children, and investigating crime.
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded the force's performance across eight areas in January, finding it to be adequate in two areas, requires improvement in four areas and inadequate in two areas.
The inspectorate said responding to calls for service and preventing crime effectively had improved, but concerns remain over how it investigates crime and safeguards vulnerable people.
Chief constable James Vaughan said he "welcomed the findings", and he was "confident" the force would "continue to improve our service".
The inspectorate found the force continues to prevent and deter crime and antisocial behaviour well.
The PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) inspection did not conclude Devon and Cornwall Police was good or outstanding in any of the eight categories.
Among concerns HMICFRS added there remains a need for the force to improve how effectively it records crime and how it monitors preventative orders.
His Majesty's inspector of constabulary Kathryn Stone said she was "satisfied" with some aspects of the performance of the police force in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing an effective service to victims.
"The force has made improvements since our last inspection, particularly in how it responds to calls for service from the public," Stone said.
'Monitor performance'
However, she said its ability to carry out "prompt and effective criminal investigations on behalf of victims is still a cause of concern".
"It is disappointing that the force still hasn't made enough progress on a previous area for improvement about how it manages medium-risk domestic abuse cases. This is a concern the force needs to address quickly," Stone said.
She said progress was being made particularly in its financial management, control room and prevention work.
"Continued focus on developing the workforce, improving investigation standards and safeguarding vulnerable people will be essential for sustained improvement," she added.
"I expect to see more progress in the areas we have set out, and I will continue to monitor performance."
Vaughan said: "Whilst we have delivered sustained improvements since 2022 and the force has now been fully removed from enhanced monitoring, there remains more to do to improve outcomes for victims and ensure consistent safeguarding standards."
Police said the report highlighted "significant progress" in contact services, including 999 and 101 call handling and the management of sex and dangerous offenders.
It accepted outcomes for victims still required "significant improvement", adding it needed to improve how effectively it records crime and how it monitors preventative orders.
Vaughan said plans were under way to move the force's victim care unit to police headquarters, "helping ensure victims remain at the centre of our work every day".
"I am confident that, with the dedication of our people, we will continue to improve our service," he said. "Many of our domestic abuse cases do lead to positive outcomes, but I recognise we are still letting some victims down.
"I have agreed with the commissioner to stay in post for as long as she requires the stability provided by my leadership."
