Sussex Police has been urged to improve its performance in keeping the public safe and reducing crime, following a grading by the police inspectorate.
According to the His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), Sussex Police was deemed ‘good’ in two areas, ‘adequate’ in four areas, ‘requires improvement’ in one area, and ‘inadequate’ in two areas. This grading was based on the force’s performance across nine areas of policing.
One of the major concerns raised by the inspectorate was Sussex Police’s failure to record reports of violent crime, particularly behavioural crimes such as harassment, stalking, controlling and coercive behaviour, rape, domestic abuse and antisocial behaviour.
Despite these shortcomings, the HMICFRS praised Sussex Police’s efforts in working with communities and its progress in involving hard-to-reach communities. The force was also lauded for its work in prevention and enforcement, including its focus on reducing serious youth violence and habitual knife carriers.
In response to the grading, His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher called on Sussex Police to improve its response to the public and the way it records crime. He also urged the force to enhance its assessment of initial calls to identify vulnerable people and repeat callers.
Wilsher said, “As a result of my concerns I have already been in contact with the chief constable and the police and crime commissioner. I am pleased with the way the force has responded so far and I will continue to check the force’s progress in addressing areas for improvement in the coming months.”
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