South Yorkshire Police 'requires improvement' at keeping people safe

Inspectors from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) carried out a review of how well the force prevents crime and anti-social behaviour, investigates crime and manages offenders, protects vulnerable people, supports victims and tackles serious and organised crime.

They rated the force as ‘good’ at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour and tackling serious and organised crime but was warned it also needs to improve how it protects vulnerable victims from harm.

Overall it was rated as ‘requiring improvement’ at keeping people safe and reducing crime.

A report published by HMIC said: “The force needs to improve the way it investigates crime. The responses to reports of crime are delayed sometimes and this, together with a lack of capacity in the major crime team, affects adversely the quality of investigation.”

Inspectors praised the way the force “engages well with communities” and tackles organised crime groups and associated low-level crime and anti-social behaviour.

The HMIC also noted work the force has done to clamp down on child sexual exploitation.

Deputy Chf Con Dawn Copley, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “We welcome the feedback from HMIC, which concluded that effectiveness within the force requires improvement.

“This overall grade is made up of four areas – two of which were graded as ‘good’ and two which ‘requires improvement’. This feedback will allow us to further improve and strengthen our services.

“Overall, HMIC recognise that the force works well to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, and we have been successful in maximising the proportion of our staff on front line duties against a reducing workforce.

“The feedback about how effectively we tackle serious and organised crime, including the use of the full range of legal powers, is welcomed, as these matters affect all our communities.”

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said:“I am pleased that the force is considered ‘good’ at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, and keeping people safe. 

“But the force will have to work at improving the way it investigates crime more generally and manages offenders. The latter will require greater co-operation with other agencies. However, I note that victim satisfaction levels remain above the national average."