Policing in some areas of England and Wales is inadequate, according to a new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Services.
The report graded areas of each of the more than 40 police forces as outstanding, good, adequate, requires improvement or inadequate – in categories including recording crime data, responding to the public, investigating crime, protecting the vulnerable and disrupting serious organised crime.
It found that while police forces have improved in several areas in recent years, the public is still being failed in some areas. The Gloucestershire force, for example, was rated as ’inadequate’ in investigating crime, responding to the public, protecting vulnerable people and providing strategic planning and value for money. It was also found to be inadequate in recording data and providing a service to victims of crime.
Brian McCarthy, who is the director of the Christian Police Association, worked in the police force for 27 years. He’s been giving his reaction to Premier.
“I think standards have improved. I think what we're seeing today is that people have got more access to information and more ability to speak out.
“Chief constables across the country are looking to improve that even further, and they’re asking for new legislation and greater powers to deal with things fairly and swiftly. Standards are better. So even though public opinion of the police has dropped, they're working really hard to rebuild those bridges and to rebuild community confidence.”
Durham was found to be among the forces rated ‘good’ or ‘adequate’ in the majority of categories.
Brian McCarthy says police officers need our prayers.
“We should pray for those in authority so that we may lead to peaceful lives. In all churches around the country, if you can pray for your street, for peace in your street, and for those in authority who are looking after your street. Pray that their workplace will be good, that the supervisors will make good decisions, the government will make God led legislation. Pray that your Police and Crime Commissioner will have the resources and the wisdom to make great decisions for your area and for your Chief Constable to make great decisions and to implement the amazing work that's being done at a strategic level.”
The full report can be read here.