Commissioner comments on HMIC Reports

Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Keith Hunter has commented on today’s release of Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) reports into Legitimacy and Leadership

Keith said: “I thank Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary for producing its two latest reports on Humberside Police, one concerning ‘Leadership’ within the Force, in its broadest sense, and one concerning ‘Legitimacy’ which focusses upon the fairness of processes and outcomes and whether the Force is working within both the law and recognised practice.

“Whilst there are legitimate queries raised at both local and national levels about the frequency of the varying inspections carried out by HMIC and the potentially confusing picture this creates for the public, each report produced raises questions or issues that should be further explored to ensure the police are delivering the best they can for their residents.

“It is pleasing to note that Humberside Police were graded as ‘Good’ in terms of ‘Legitimacy’, the same grading as they received last year. We should not, however, focus too much on a subjective grading process, in the same way we shouldn’t over react to lower gradings in other inspections, but look beneath the surface, understand the issues raised, assess if progress is being made as quickly as is reasonable and what it all means for the service to the public. In respect of the Legitimacy report I am happy with the overall direction of travel and that the issues raised are already being addressed.

“The Leadership report does not give a grading but a narrative assessment. It is the nature of these style of reports that issues will be identified for further action and that is the case in this instance. What is clear from the report is the importance the Force attaches to Leadership and the effort and resources it is putting into improving its ability to attract and retain the right people and develop the leadership capabilities of those within the Force. This is vital if Humberside Police is to deliver to its maximum potential.

“In neither of these reports does HMIC identify any areas of concern. That should provide some considerable reassurance to the public. A limited number of areas for improvement are identified that the Force is already addressing, and I will work with them to ensure progress is made into the future against these issues.
Improvement is a continuing journey and not a destination. I believe these reports are another milestone on that journey and I am committed to ensuring continued forward momentum.

“I would like to thank and congratulate the officers, staff and volunteers of Humberside police for their continuing commitment to serving the public that shines through the progress illustrated in these reports.”

• The full reports can be read on the HMIC Website at http://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmic/humberside/ where there is also information on the other inspections carried out each year.