March 2, 2017 8.05 am This story is over 83 months old

Humberside Police ‘inadequate’ at protecting vulnerable residents and supporting victims

Humberside Police has been branded ‘inadequate’ at protecting those who are vulnerable from harm and supporting victims in a damning new report. The force, which covers North and North East Lincolnshire, was given an overall rating of ‘requires improvement’ in an HMIC Effectiveness inspection back in September, the findings of which were released on March…

Humberside Police has been branded ‘inadequate’ at protecting those who are vulnerable from harm and supporting victims in a damning new report.

The force, which covers North and North East Lincolnshire, was given an overall rating of ‘requires improvement’ in an HMIC Effectiveness inspection back in September, the findings of which were released on March 2.

Inspectors told the force to make radical improvements to the initial assessment and response to vulnerable people and ensure consistency in the approach of control room staff.

The report said that the response to incidents must be determined by the initial assessment of risk rather than availability of response officers.

Any decision to delay a response to domestic abuse must also be “fully justified” and “subject to objective supervision”.

Inspectors also told the force to make improvements in investigating crime and reducing reoffending.

However, the report rated Humberside Police as ‘good’ in preventing crime, tackling anti-social behaviour and keeping people safe.

The force has said that a number of changes have been implemented since the inspection, including a new PVP (Protecting Vulnerable People) team being brought in and an overhaul of the call centre.

Temporary Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said: “We are disappointed with the overall grading of ‘requires improvement’ and in particular the grading of ‘inadequate’ for protecting vulnerable people.

“However, since the inspection took place last September, we’ve made huge leaps forward in this area, and I’m pleased that HMIC have acknowledged this in the report.

“The HMIC inspection team made a return visit in November and were encouraged by the immediate response by the force to the issues identified.

“We know there’s more to do and we’re determined to get this service to good status and then outstanding, but it’s a long-term plan.

“We have to make sure that we constantly review, change and improve all of our processes and systems, and we’re doing that.

“We have some of the most passionate and dedicated people in the force and I’m proud to lead them.

“I want the people of Humberside to know that we are there for them when they need us, especially those who are vulnerable and who need us most. We will listen and we will act.”