Police force no longer needs 'enhanced monitoring'

The force was put under close monitoring last year due to concerns over four areas of its work

A police force is no longer in need of "enhanced monitoring' after it was deemed to have made improvements.

West Midlands Police, the second largest force in the country, was placed under close monitoring in November, after the national inspection body said it was failing in four areas of its work.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said on Wednesday the force had since made “several improvements”.

West Midlands Chief Constable Craig Guildford praised the “commitment of our officers and staff” for making fast progress.

Areas of concern

When the force was placed in special measures last year, HMICFRS said it had failed to:

• Carry out effective investigations leading to satisfactory results for victims

• Work effectively to keep vulnerable people safe

• Effectively manage the risk posed to the public by registered sex offenders

• Manage the risk posed by online child abuse offenders effectively

HMICFRS said in July that three of the causes of concern had been closed after the force made progress, with only the investigations issue remaining open.

The force had improved across all four areas and would now be removed from enhanced monitoring, the inspecting body said, adding the force had fulfilled three out of five recommendations related to its investigations.

HMICFRS said this "cause of concern remains open" and the force's progress would continue to be assessed.