'More work to do' at police force despite progress

Findings have been published following a re-inspection in February

Nottinghamshire Police has made progress since concerns were raised, a watchdog says, but the force remains under "enhanced monitoring" with "more work still to do".

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) carried out a follow-up inspection of the force in February.

The visit came after three "causes of concern" were raised by the inspectorate last year, two of which have now been closed.

However the force will continue to be subject to an "enhanced level of monitoring", known as the HMICFRS' "engage" process.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell said she was "pleased" the progress Nottinghamshire Police was making had been recognised.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell said the force had "worked exceptionally hard" to address the concerns

The force was issued with two "accelerated causes of concern" in March 2024.

The first was in relation to its failure to sufficiently manage and carry out effective investigations and support victims.

Inspectors issued the second as a result of its failure to have adequate governance arrangements to monitor performance.

The latter has since been dropped with the HMICFRS commending the force for its "positive change", while the other - in relation to how the force carries out effective investigations for victims - remains under review, despite progress being made.

An additional third "cause of concern" in relation to neighbourhood police being diverted away from their main duties was later raised in July.

The HMICFRS said the issue had been addressed during its visit following the introduction of an abstraction policy that sets out the minimum time that officers should spend on neighbourhood policing.

Inspectors will revisit the force this month to more closely audit investigation standards in relation to the outstanding concern, the watchdog said.

'Worked exceptionally hard'

Roy Wilsher, from the HMICFRS, in a letter to the chief constable, said: "I am pleased that Nottinghamshire Police has improved.

"We recognise the considerable work that the force has carried out to support these improvements. It has addressed our concerns in relation to leadership and force management, and preventing and deterring crime.

"As a result, we have closed these two causes of concern. There is one cause of concern remaining. Despite good progress being made, there is still more work to do."

HMICFRS previously said its findings were not related to the force's handling of the Nottingham attacks case, which was last year referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Ms Meynell said: "I am pleased that HMICFRS has recognised the progress Nottinghamshire Police is making.

"We have worked exceptionally hard to address all the concerns that were raised, and we will continue with this to ensure we are delivering the best possible service to our communities."

Nottinghamshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden added: "The direction of travel is incredibly positive, and the work now needs to continue to ensure Nottinghamshire Police emerges as a service that our communities can be proud of."