Derbyshire Constabulary told to improve in key areas by inspectors

HMICFRS inspectors said they had concerns about the force's performance

Government inspectors have told Derbyshire Constabulary it needs make a range of improvements.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICRFS) published its latest findings on the force's performance.

It said the force must do better when it investigates crimes, improve the way it protects vulnerable people and how it responds to the public.

The force said it was already addressing concerns raised.

Roy Wilsher said he felt the force was capable of improving

Roy Wilsher, who led the inspection, said: "I recognise the current leadership's work on improvement, but I have some concerns with aspects of the performance of Derbyshire Constabulary in keeping people safe and reducing crime.

"I don't underestimate the difficulty caused by the constabulary's legacy issues, such as a lack of policy, governance and performance scrutiny, but there are areas where the force still needs to improve.

"These are the findings I consider most important from our assessments of the force over the past year."

HMICFRS said specific areas for the force to improve included:

• Investigating crime

• Responding to the public

• Protecting vulnerable people

• Developing a positive workplace

• Good use of resources

Mr Wilsher said: "Derbyshire Constabulary doesn't always conduct thorough investigations.

"This means investigation outcomes may not always be appropriate and opportunities to bring offenders to justice may be missed.

"We spoke to many staff who said they felt disconnected from the organisation.

"The constabulary hasn't given the workforce inclusion training for many years, although now it has plans to do so. Staff need to know what is expected of them, to feel included and make sure the public are treated fairly."

However, he added the force had shown it could make improvements successfully.

"It has made improvements in recording crime, protecting children online and investigating missing people and these improvements were made following our observations about these critical areas," he said.

'Working hard'

Derbyshire Constabulary's chief constable Rachel Swann said: "This inspection has come at a time of significant challenge and change across Derbyshire Constabulary, with many processes beginning to be embedded and teams being redefined to provide a consistent service.

"I welcome the inspection from HMICFRS who recognise the progress we have made and acknowledge the clear plans we have in place to get us to where we need to be.

"There are a number of areas of improvement that have been highlighted in the report, some of which we are already taking steps to progress, and others which will be delivered shortly.

"The inspectors from HMICFRS are confident that the leadership and processes that we have in place will address a number of the areas that they have highlighted, and I know that my officers and staff are extremely committed to serving the public of Derbyshire.

"We are working hard to ensure continuous improvement and will be bolstering our frontline, focusing on local policing and taking action when calls for service are needed."