Humberside Police "good" at keeping people safe and reducing crime

There's praise for Humberside Police today but we're told there's still more work to be done.

For the first time in the force's history it's been rated "good" in all aspects of its work in a new report by the police watchdog, HMICFRS.

Officers inspected the ways the force keeps people safe, reduces crime and protects vulnerable people.

But it says improvements are still needed when it comes to Humberside Police's recording of crimes to ensure offences aren't being missed.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Phil Gormley said:

“I am pleased with Humberside Police’s performance in keeping people safe and reducing crime. In particular, I note the improvements the force has made since 2017 in its efficiency and effectiveness.

“Since our last inspection the force has improved how it investigates crimes. It has also developed better ways to make sure it identifies and protects vulnerable people. The force has improved some of its crime-recording processes but has more work to do.

“The force understands the demand for its services much better than it did previously. It has used this information to develop strong financial and workforce plans for the future. This includes significantly increasing its number of police officers.

“I am pleased to see that the force consults widely with its communities to better understand their concerns. Senior leaders support the workforce. They encourage a culture of continuous learning and ethical behaviour. Overall, I commend Humberside Police for the progress it has made over the past year. This gives a good foundation for continuing improvement in the year ahead."

Humberside PCC, Keith Hunter, said:

“I would like to congratulate Humberside Police on the content of this report. It illustrates the huge amount of effort the staff and officers have put into transforming the performance of the force over the last couple of years. This really is a landmark accomplishment, never before in the history of the force has Humberside Police received a grading of ‘good’ in every area and sub-area in which they have been inspected. This should be welcomed by all our communities as a signal that their voice has been heard and that their taxes are being well used to provide an improving service properly focussed on meeting local concerns as well as national threats.

“The leadership shown by the Chief Constable and his team in achieving this turnaround in a relatively short time frame has rightly been recognised nationally. The recent attachment of Lee Freeman to Cleveland Police to assist them in their hour of need was a very visible vote of confidence in his skills and leadership but also in the strength in depth we now have here in the Humberside Police area."