Force improving but needs to do more, report says

A report looking into police efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has been released

A police force is improving but must "do more to meet the public's needs", an inspection report has said.

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services assessed Hampshire & Isle of Wight police's efficiency, effectiveness, and legitimacy (PEEL) between 2023 and 2025.

Inspectors said they were "pleased with some aspects of the performance" and noted improvements since its last PEEL inspection.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said the findings were a "testament to the work of officers, staff and volunteers".

HM inspector Roy Wilsher said the force had "taken steps to improve" and praised its performance in "keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing victims with an effective service".

However, he raised concerns that the force did not answer emergency and non-emergency calls "in a timely way".

Mr Wilsher said the force did not always act as quickly as it should, but he was "pleased to find" this was being addressed with an increase in call handlers.

He added: "The constabulary has seen notable improvements in call answering and attendance times, but it needs to do more to meet the public's needs."

The PEEL inspection also found officers worked "effectively" with other organisations to keep vulnerable people safe and tackle the behaviour of perpetrators.

Acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: "The report reflected that we have made significant changes, are better connected with our local communities, improved the way we investigate to bring more offenders to justice, provided better outcomes for victims and reduced crime."

She later added: "While there were no areas identified as requiring improvement, we are not complacent.

"The public expects a police service that responds when they need us, investigates crime to a high standard, keeps them updated on what is happening and brings offenders to justice."