Suffolk Police told to improve protection of domestic abuse victims after inspectors raise concerns
Suffolk Constabulary says it has cleared a historic backlog of Clare's Law applications after inspectors raised concerns.
Concerns have been raised about how Suffolk Police protects vulnerable people after inspectors identified issues they said posed a significant risk to victims of domestic abuse.
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) assessed Suffolk Constabulary across nine areas in its latest inspection of the force's effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy.
The force was graded good in one area and adequate in three, while three were assessed as requiring improvement and two were rated inadequate.
HMICFRS raised particular concerns about the protection of vulnerable people and the management of custody suites, although inspectors also recognised improvements in areas including neighbourhood policing and the force's response to the public.
Suffolk Constabulary has accepted the findings and says it has already taken action to address some of the concerns.
Concerns over domestic abuse victims
HMICFRS found significant backlogs relating to the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, commonly known as Clare's Law.
The scheme allows someone to ask police about a current or former partner's history where there are concerns they may pose a risk of domestic abuse.
Inspectors also found traceable records of police contact were being left on devices, which HMICFRS said created an escalated risk to victims.
Because of what the inspectorate described as the significant risk posed to victims, an accelerated cause of concern was issued earlier this year.
Suffolk Constabulary says the historic Clare's Law backlog has since been cleared, with strengthened processes, guidance, supervision and oversight introduced.
Chief Constable Mark Webster said: “We acted quickly to address the concerns identified around Clare's Law and safeguarding. Significant improvements have already been made and we are seeing stronger performance as a result.”
He said the force was also strengthening how it identifies, assesses and manages risk in domestic abuse cases.
He added: “Safeguarding remains our highest priority.”
HMICFRS acknowledged the action taken by the force, with His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher saying Suffolk Constabulary had been “working hard” to address the concerns and reduce the backlog.
Custody concerns
HMICFRS also raised concerns about leadership and oversight within Suffolk's custody suites.
Inspectors found there was not an effective and safe process for handing over detainees and issued a separate cause of concern about the force's custody environment.
Mr Wilsher said: “I have also issued a cause of concern about its custody environment, as we found there isn’t an effective and safe handover process in its custody suites.”
Suffolk Constabulary says it is reviewing its current processes and developing changes aimed at meeting national expectations and strengthening risk management.
Mr Webster said the force was committed to acting on the inspectorate's findings, adding: “While there is more work to do in some areas, the report also recognises many strengths across Suffolk Constabulary.”
HMICFRS also found the force does not sufficiently understand the impact of fraud on its communities and does not always manage fraud investigations well.
Improvements recognised by inspectors
The inspection identified a number of areas where Suffolk Constabulary had improved or was performing well.
HMICFRS graded the force as good at preventing and deterring crime and antisocial behaviour.
Inspectors highlighted its neighbourhood policing teams and partnership working, while also recognising improvements in its Contact and Control Room.
The inspectorate found increased staffing levels, improvements in how quickly 999 calls are answered and fewer abandoned non-emergency calls compared with its previous inspection.
Mr Webster said: “I am particularly pleased to see recognition of our neighbourhood policing approach. Our officers and staff work closely with local communities and partner organisations to understand concerns, prevent crime and tackle anti-social behaviour.”
HMICFRS said Suffolk Constabulary had also improved how it secures positive investigation outcomes for victims.
Police and Crime Commissioner responds
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore described the findings as “overall” a good report, while acknowledging areas where improvements are required.
He said: “This is a very comprehensive inspection which highlights the good and the areas requiring improvement.”
Mr Passmore said some of the issues identified were already being addressed, including the concerns surrounding Clare's Law.
He also welcomed the inspectorate's findings on neighbourhood policing and improvements within the Contact and Control Room.
HMICFRS has made specific recommendations setting out areas Suffolk Constabulary needs to focus on and says it will continue to monitor the force's performance.
The inspection forms part of HMICFRS's PEEL programme, which assesses the effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy of police forces in England and Wales.