UPDATE FOLLOWING HMICFRS INSPECTION

UPDATE FOLLOWING HMICFRS INSPECTION

We have been assessed as a Level 2 force under a new national policing performance framework launched by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) today (Thursday 16 July).

The new framework categorises all 43 police forces into one of four performance levels. Level 4 represents the highest level of concern, while Level 2 is used where there are some lower-level issues that require monitoring or where improvements are being made but still require oversight.

The announcement follows an extraordinary public meeting held on Wednesday (15 July), where Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams reviewed the force's progress with Acting Chief Constable Becky Riggs following publication of the latest HMICFRS report.

Acting Chief Constable Becky Riggs said: "We welcome the introduction of the new Policing Performance System and the assessment process undertaken by HMICFRS.

"We aspire to be at Level One but being placed at Level 2 recognises that, while there are areas where further improvement and oversight are required, we are not facing the significant or systemic concerns associated with the higher levels of the framework.

“We have already made positive progress in key areas of performance and remain committed to delivering ongoing improvements for the communities we serve. The enhanced support available through Level 2 will help us maintain that momentum, ensuring we continue to address any remaining issues and prevent any deterioration in performance.”