Norfolk Police told to improve the way they treat suspects by policing watchdog
The policing watchdog has issued a report into the performance of our local force
Last updated 14th Oct 2022
Norfolk Police have been told to improve the way they treat suspected criminals in the latest report by the policing watchdog.
Inspection results were released by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services in the latest PEEL report, issued by HMICFRS today (October 14) outlined how the force operate.
They tell us they recognize they need to do more to focus on the way calls are initially assessed, activities are recorded and how crimes are investigated.
Chief Constable Paul Sanford said the force remained committed to providing exceptional policing to the people of Norfolk and, with the right funding in place, would work hard to make improvements in areas identified by inspectors.
The requires improvement grading was given after inspectors found that officers were not always recording their grounds for carrying out stop and search and that handcuffs were often used even in circumstances where people were being compliant.
The force has since reviewed the corresponding body-worn footage with those inspected and is satisfied the stops themselves are being carried out to a good standard, it’s the recording which needs improving.
Chief Constable Paul Sanford said: “We know there’s work to be done to improve in some areas but overall this is a good report and I’m proud of our officers and staff who are committed to delivering exceptional policing and a good service to the public"
“Steps are already being taken to address the issues raised around stop search, which is down to officers not fully completing their paperwork on every stop. This is something we need to get right and officers will receive additional training so we can get this right".
PC Stanford added: “While we still have more work to do with victims at their first point of contact with us, to ensure they give us all the information we need, I welcome the acknowledgement that we are making good use of the problem-solving plans we have put in place to resolve local community issues.
"Neighbourhood policing is the heart of our service, and this is evidenced by our response to local priorities and our work with local partners which has led to anti-social behaviour reports being lower on average than the rest of England and Wales.”
Inspectors recognised Norfolk's force as focused on crime prevention and making good use of preventative tactics.
They also stated the force had an excellent grasp of demand, using data to focus activities and described their work around community engagement, volunteers and cadets and outstanding suspects, known and repeat offenders and registered sex offenders as noteworthy.