Police force removed from special measures

The force was put in special measures on 14 October 2022

Devon and Cornwall Police has been removed from enhanced monitoring by the police inspectorate, nearly three years after being placed under special measures.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) confirmed the decision, citing improvements in several key areas including emergency call handling, crime recording, and the management of sexual and violent offenders.

The force was first moved into the inspectorate's Engage phase, commonly referred to as special measures, on 14 October 2022.

At the time, HMICFRS identified significant failings in how the force responded to emergency calls, recorded crimes, and supervised registered offenders.

Inspectors found that crimes, particularly those involving vulnerable victims, were not always recorded, and that too many emergency and non-emergency calls were either delayed or abandoned.

The watchdog also raised concerns about the force's ability to identify repeat and vulnerable callers, and its failure to provide timely advice on preserving evidence or preventing further crime.

'Work to do'

Additionally, the management of registered sexual and violent offenders was deemed inadequate, potentially increasing the risk of further offending.

In a statement His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Andy Cooke, said the force had made "good progress" and would now return to routine monitoring.

"I am pleased with the good progress that Devon and Cornwall Police has made so far," Sir Andy said.

"While there is still work to do, I have recommended removing the service from our enhanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, and return it to routine monitoring."

Among the improvements noted were better governance of the force control room, a reduced 101 call abandonment rate, improved management of sexual offenders, and increased confidence in frontline officers' understanding of crime recording principles.

The force has also made strides in using investigative plans and conducting supervisory reviews.

However, HMICFRS said two areas of concern remained open, crime recording standards and the overall quality of investigations.

"It needs to demonstrate further improvements before we can close these causes of concern," said Sir Andy.