Cleveland PCC responds to new Police Force rating system
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service has published it's new Policing Performance System, to replace the current 'Scan' and 'Engage' process.
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service has published it's new Policing Performance System, to replace the current 'Scan' and 'Engage' process.
Each police force will be assigned a level (Levels One to Four), escalating according to severity and impact of performance concerns.
Level Descriptions
Level One:
The default position for all forces. Forces may have minor, mitigated concerns but an overall positive trajectory to manage these as they seek to continuously improve. No action or intervention is required from the performance system. Chief Constables and Local Policing Bodies can request support from existing and new sources, where they identify performance concerns locally.
Level Two:
Where forces have (i) enduring, low-level, non-systemic issues, (ii) receding issues which require oversight, or (iii) multiple, minor issues and Chief Constables and Local Policing Bodies can ‘self-access’ or request enhanced support from the performance system to prevent deterioration.
Level Three:
Where forces have (i) a single, critical, enduring issue, (ii) widespread and/or systemic performance concerns, or (iii) fail to demonstrate meaningful improvements. Chief Constables will develop improvement plans and proposals for targeted support and intervention provided by the performance system.
Level Four (Special Measures):
Where force performance failings are very serious and there is insufficient evidence or confidence that the steps being taken to address them are having the desired effect. Forces will be subject to Special Measures and statutorily required to act on HMICFRS recommendations and may be subject to Home Secretary intervention powers.
Cleveland Police has been identified as a Level One force.
In response, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Matt Storey said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, at times I have been disheartened by inaccurate and harmful narratives that have persisted about Cleveland Police.
"I’ve always believed the force deserves to be judged on the service it provides today, not on perceptions shaped by the past.
"This new performance level, decided by a panel of national experts, recognises that Cleveland Police has only minor performance concerns that can be handled without any intervention from national bodies.
"This is not the case for many other forces across the country, who are being closely monitored for systemic, widespread issues or for failing to deliver meaningful improvement.
"That said, Cleveland Police’s journey of improvement is not over. Like any organisation, it must make further improvements in certain areas to improve the service it provides to the public.
“I’ll continue to make the case that with appropriate Government funding, Cleveland Police could more effectively respond to the high demand it faces on a daily basis. Officers, staff and volunteers do an amazing job considering the resource constraints they operate in.
“Whilst there is always more work to do, today’s position represents an opportunity to set the record straight and give the public renewed confidence in their local police force- by recognising the incredible transformation Cleveland Police force has been on in the last five years.”