Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire | WYPCC

PCC Statement Welcoming HMICFRS PEEL Assessment Report

Friday 7th February, 2020

West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has welcomed Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue (HMICFRS) PEEL Assessment report with West Yorkshire Police receiving an OUTSTANDING rating.

PCC Mark Burns-Williamson said: “I am really pleased to see that the hard work of West Yorkshire Police officers and staff has been further recognised with the latest independent PEEL assessment report and will be passing on that message in person to the Chief Constable John Robins.

West Yorkshire Police have retained their 2017 Good rating for Effectiveness and Legitimacy and have received a new grading of ’Outstanding’ for overall Efficiency.

“That is a well-deserved accolade and demonstrates the excellent ongoing work being carried out to protect vulnerable people in our communities. The outstanding grading relates to their work around planning for the future showing that the leadership within West Yorkshire Police are committed to ensuring we are using our resources to best effect.

“I also recognise, as outlined in the report, key areas for improvement including investigations, particularly around specialist investigative capacity, and professional standards around counter corruption, where there needs to be more resources allocated. 

“I am assured both of these aspects are already being addressed as part of an action plan and I will be ensuring I receive regular updates from the Chief Constable as to how they are being progressed.

“However, investigative capacity is a national issue and I know WYP already have plans underway to address this through direct and fast track entry at detective level particularly with new officers numbers coming through.

“While it is crucial we have locally sustained recruitment to rebuild policing numbers, and give our new officers and staff access to quality training, they do need time to gain that experience and develop the necessary skills to achieve the right outcomes.

“These issues are national challenges faced by other forces following a long period of time when we were unable to recruit due to Government funding cuts, ongoing recruitment will better allow more time to develop their capabilities.

“We will also have the officers recruited within the past few years from investment raised locally who will gradually start to filter through into detective roles and safeguarding departments. The options to speed this process up including early attachments, are also being considered.

“But I want to thank and congratulate all employees of West Yorkshire Police for their continued commitment and hard work in gaining these independently assessed ‘Good’ and ’Outstanding’ ratings which demonstrate positive progress in the delivery of policing services for West Yorkshire.”