Force's crime-solving performance remains below par

A police force's performance when it comes to solving crime has not improved since its previous inspection, according to a report.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said it was a "cause of concern" that Northamptonshire Police was "achieving fewer positive outcomes for victims of crime".

But the inspectorate found significant improvements in emergency call handling and oversight of stop and search and the use of force.

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet said: "There is no hiding away from the findings around investigations, but I remain absolutely confident in our vision and strategy to drive up performance."

Roy Wilsher, HM inspector of constabulary, said in the report that he was satisfied with several aspects of the force, including "its support for workforce wellbeing, treatment of the public, preventative activity and safeguarding of vulnerable children and adults".

He added: "However, it must solve crime more effectively, respond to incidents more promptly and ensure stronger tactical implementation and leadership accountability."

The report said concerns over investigations into crime were particularly apparent when it came to rape, robbery and violence with injury.

It set out four recommendations for improvement to be achieved within six months, including allocating investigations to appropriate teams and consistently complying with the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime.

The report found the criminal investigation department and domestic abuse teams were particularly under-resourced and were having to deal with large caseloads including serious and complex crimes.

Balhatchet said the findings in some respects mirrored the annual State of Policing report published last autumn, with many of the national challenges playing out locally.

He added: "I am so proud to lead Northamptonshire Police, a force whose officers and staff work daily to achieve my ambition to make our county the safest in the UK. The learning taken from this report is vital in achieving that vision."

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: "Investigating crime is one of the fundamental roles of policing and the inspector's finding is troubling – victims must be served better."

Stone said she had asked for a verbal briefing, ahead of receiving a full action plan, with clear timescales, to see how the chief constable was going to address the concerns raised in the report.

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