PCC responds to poor Sussex Police report
Following the publication of a critical report into Sussex Police by His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary [HMIC] on 13 April, the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner [PCC] - Katy Bourne - has said ‘parts of the report are sobering and clearly outline areas for which the force must take responsibility.’ The inspector’s report said that Sussex Police needs to improve how it keeps the public safe and reduces crime.
Katy Bourne said: “In my role as PCC, I value the HMIC report because it provides me with an objective and external view of the performance of Sussex Police. This focus is vital in supporting my work to thoroughly scrutinise and robustly challenge the force’s performance overall.
“Disappointingly, parts of the report are sobering and clearly outline areas for which the force must take responsibility. Swift action must be implemented to improve recording processes, identify gaps in protocols and provide specific training to officers and staff.
“It’s reassuring that I have already addressed many of these issues with the Chief Constable at my monthly performance and accountability meetings. This inspection was undertaken over six months ago so I am aware of the extensive work already under way to bring about improvements and am reassured that the inadequate areas are already being addressed.
“While I acknowledge the issues where remedial change is needed, I am pleased that the report outlines areas where Sussex Police are doing really well. It recognises the immense contribution of neighbourhood policing teams which are so valued by residents. The report also highlights the force’s innovative and important work on using data analytics to properly understand its demand and thus where resources are deployed to greatest effect”.
The report said Sussex Police needs to improve how it keeps the public safe and reduces crime. It graded Sussex Police’s performance across nine areas of policing and found the force was ‘good’ in two areas, ‘adequate’ in four areas, ‘requires improvement’ in one area, and ‘inadequate’ in two areas.
HMIC said the force did not always record reports of violent crime - particularly behavioural crimes (harassment, stalking, controlling and coercive behaviour), rape, domestic abuse and antisocial behaviour.
However, the inspectorate said that the force works well with communities and has progressed involvement with some hard-to-reach communities. It also praised Sussex Police’s work prevention and enforcement, including a focus on reducing serious youth violence and on habitual knife carriers.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher said: “Sussex Police urgently needs to improve how it responds to the public, and how it records crime.
“Its recording of reports of violent crime is inadequate, and the force is also missing opportunities to safeguard vulnerable people. It needs to improve the way it assesses initial calls to the force so that vulnerable people and repeat callers are routinely identified.
“As a result of my concerns I have already been in contact with the chief constable and the police and crime commissioner.
“I am pleased with the way the force has responded so far and I will continue to check the force’s progress in addressing areas for improvement in the coming months.”