Nottinghamshire Police has been rated as ‘good’ at keeping people safe and reducing crime by inspectors.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) published a report today (Tuesday December 12) rating the force as good overall when it comes to keeping people safe and reducing crime.
This comes after the force was found to ‘require improvement’ in the same area last month.
HMIC is an independent regulator that inspects police forces to make sure that they are operating as they should be.
The report found the force is good at treating the people it serves with fairness and respect, good at ensuring its workforce behaves ethically and lawfully but requires improvement when it comes to treating its workforce with fairness and respect.
The report said: “Leaders in the force are good role models and ensure that members of the workforce behave ethically and lawfully.
“The force is taking steps to ensure the whole workforce has appropriate vetting clearance but a considerable backlog remains in vetting for less sensitive posts.
“The force is proactive in identifying and resolving workforce concerns and its grievance procedure is perceived as fair.
“However, officers and staff do not always feel able to challenge and offer feedback to senior managers.”
In response to the report, Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “Nottinghamshire Police is committed to reducing crime and keeping our communities safe and I am glad that this report by the HMICFRS recognises we are good at doing this.
“Since becoming Chief Constable in February this year a lot of changes have taken place in a relatively short period of time.
“In fact, many of the recommendations made by the HMICFRS have already been acted upon.
“I am pleased to see that HMICFRS deems that we are particularly effective in the area of stop and search, acknowledging my officers have a very good understanding of how to use their powers fairly and respectfully.
“I am committed to ensuring my workforce feels like it is treated fairly with respect – we have taken steps and will continue to work to ensure every person in the force feels they are treated this way.
“I want our force to become an employer of choice and my team is working hard to achieve this.
“My senior leadership team and I take this matter very seriously and we regularly go out to different stations to speak to staff and officers and address any issues raised.
“The report acknowledges that we are proactive in identifying and resolving workforce concerns and that we have a comprehensive and accessible wellbeing programme.
“It also notes our considerable effort in encouraging the recruitment of those from diverse and underrepresented communities.”
The force’s Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping said: “This report makes a reassuring read and highlights the progress made over the last twelve months.
“I’m particularly pleased that it recognises that Nottinghamshire Police is committed to treating the people it serves with fairness and respect and acknowledges the ethical approach embedded across the force, both of which are vital to public confidence.
“In this country, we police by consent which is why trust and confidence in the police are critical factors.
“A lot has happened over the course of this year and I’ve been impressed with the pace of change alongside the commitment of the Nottinghamshire force in very testing circumstances.
“But there is more to be done and I will work with the Chief Constable to ensure a working environment that drives continual improvement for both the workforce and the public.
“But, at the end of the day, ‘good’ is good and that is how this latest inspection rated Nottinghamshire Police.”
