February 7, 2020 9.58 am This story is over 49 months old

Lincolnshire Police rated ‘good’, despite below average funding

Inspectors say they are encouraged by the force’s progress
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Inspectors say they are encouraged by Lincolnshire Police’s progress but the force still has more work to do to record and prevent crime.

The latest report, published by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMICFRS) on Friday, rated Lincolnshire Police as “good” overall.

When broken down, inspectors graded the force as “good” for effectiveness, “requires improvement” for efficiency and “good” for legitimacy.

Funding remained a big sticking point, with the report concluding that Lincolnshire Police provides a good service bearing in mind the money it’s given.

Per head of population, Lincolnshire gets £159 whereas the average across England and Wales per head is £203.

Lincolnshire Police was told to improve how it prevents crime and records crime and also told to focus on a consistently good service in child protection investigations.

Part of the problem, says the police, is that they have seen a 40% reduction in the number of special constables since 2015.

Deputy Chief Constable Jason Harwin said: “In the face of such financial adversity we have a committed workforce and it is because of that devotion and loyalty we achieved a ‘good’ grading.

“We accept these recommendations including having a separate place where staff can refer and discuss ethical problems.

“We have already set in motion the processes to implement all the recommendations.

“Overall we are pleased with the findings of the report and are taking action on the minor issues that have been highlighted.

“As mentioned in the report, it is worth emphasising that without a fairer funding formula we are going to continue to struggle to deliver a high-quality service to the people of Lincolnshire.”