By Tony O’Reilly-
Nottinghamshire Police has been placed under Special Measures following intense scrutiny over its handling of the case involving paranoid schizophrenic Valdo Calocane.
The move made by watchdog His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) comes as the force faces calls for urgent improvement in its investigative practices and governance arrangements.
The force has been ordered to immediately review all crimes, which appear to have inadequate supervision, to identify suspects and assess the level of risk they pose to the public.
It must also review all crimes in which victims have not received a regular update to assess their needs.
HMICFRS also ordered the force to develop a workforce plan to ensure it has “effective processes in place and enough officers and staff to help it manage current and future demand”.
Inspectors highlighted deficiencies in how Nottinghamshire Police manages and conducts effective investigations, citing inadequate processes, planning, and governance structures.
While the decision to place the force under special measures is not directly linked to the Calocane case, it underscores broader concerns about its operational capabilities.
The case of Valdo Calocane, who fatally stabbed three individuals in Nottingham last June, garnered significant attention and criticism directed at Nottinghamshire Police’s response.
Despite the high-profile nature of the incident, HMICFRS clarified that their decision to intervene is separate from the specifics of the Calocane case.
In response to the development, Chief Constable Kate Meynell(pictured) acknowledged the gravity of the findings and emphasized the force’s commitment to addressing the identified shortcomings.
Urgent actions are being taken to implement necessary changes, with a focus on improving support for victims and enhancing the quality of investigations.
Nottinghamshire Police is now among six forces placed under special measures, joining others such as the Metropolitan Police and West Midlands Police.
The move to place Nottinghamshire Police into special measures follows ongoing investigations by both the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) and the College of Policing regarding its handling of the Calocane case.
Additionally, criticisms from the victims’ families regarding leadership and communication failures have further underscored the need for accountability and transparency within the force.
The families of the victims expressed cautious optimism in response to the HMICFRS intervention, hoping that it will lead to tangible improvements in public safety and the quality of policing services in Nottingham.
Their statement reflects a broader sentiment of accountability and the imperative for systemic change within law enforcement agencies.
The outcome of this intervention will be closely monitored as efforts to address systemic deficiencies continue.