Nottinghamshire Police placed into special measures by police watchdog
The force has been told to "urgently produce an improvement plan"
Last updated 11th Mar 2024
Nottinghamshire Police has been told to "urgently produce an improvement plan" by a watchdog after being put into special measures.
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) announced the move on Monday which sees the East Midlands force subjected to what the body - which scrutinises the performance of forces in England and Wales - calls an "enhanced level of monitoring" under what is known as the "engage" process.
It comes after the mother of one of Nottingham knife attacker Valdo Calocane's victims said she had "lost faith" in the force's leadership and called for Chief Constable Kate Meynell to step aside while allegations of failings are investigated.
The watchdog said the decision was not linked to the force's handling of the case.
Forces are moved into special measures - which HMICFRS calls being subjected to an "enhanced level of monitoring" under what is known as the "engage" process - when they are not responding to concerns raised by the watchdog or are not "managing, mitigating or eradicating these concerns".
When asked by the PA news agency whether the move was as a result of concerns raised about the force's handling of the Nottingham attacks, an HMICFRS spokeswoman said: "This decision is not related to the force's handling of the Valdo Calocane case," adding: "We did not look at the specific circumstances of this case."
Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher said: "We move police forces into our enhanced level of monitoring, known as engage, when a force is not responding to our concerns, or if it is not managing, mitigating or eradicating these concerns.
"The engage process provides additional scrutiny and support from the inspectorate and other external organisations in the policing sector to help the force improve and provide a better service for the public.
"Nottinghamshire Police has been asked to urgently produce an improvement plan and will meet regularly with our inspectors. We will work closely with the force to monitor its progress against these important and necessary changes."
The reasons behind the decision will be detailed in an inspection report due to be published later this year.
In a statement the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire say's she's "disappointed" the police has been placed under enhanced montioring.
Caroline Henry says "I welcome the opportunity this process will provide the Force to focus on the areas of concern and continue their immediate actions to put things right."
"As Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my duty to hold Nottinghamshire Police to account on behalf of the public and ensure we have the best policing service possible."
“HMICFRS performs an important and independent assessment role and this robust enhanced monitoring process will support our broader arrangements to ensure continuous improvement in the policing service that the people of Nottinghamshire should expect."
"I was assured to learn that the Force had already taken immediate action. This should provide Nottinghamshire’s communities with confidence that the Force takes these concerns very seriously and is committed to making swift improvements."
“I am determined to support and oversee the Force’s progress with addressing all HMICFRS’ recommendations and have asked for weekly updates from the Chief Constable. I am confident Nottinghamshire Police will emerge a much stronger organisation as a result of the ‘engage’ process.”
The families of Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, who died during a spate of knife attacks in Nottingham, have welcomed the news.
The University of Nottingham students were fatally stabbed in Ilkeston Road in the city at around 4am on June 13 by Valdo Calocane.
He was later made subject of an indefinite hospital order by a judge after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of the 19-year-olds by reason of diminished responsibility.
In a statement, the Webber and O'Malley-Kumar families said: "As families we have been very clear in the concerns we have raised regarding Nottinghamshire Police.
"Not only in the investigation itself into the murder of our loved ones, but also in the failures, missed opportunities, lessons and poor communication before, during and after.
"The IOPC are carrying out investigations into Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire constabularies and we have our first meeting with them on the March 26.
"During this meeting we intend to provide thorough detail and evidence to back up all of our concerns."