By Charlotte Webster-
Surrey Police has come under scrutiny from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), highlighting concerns over the force’s response to the public.
While some areas show positive results, the inspectorate points to a decline in key performance areas, urging the force to enhance its handling of emergency and non-emergency calls.
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The latest PEEL inspection, conducted since the previous assessment in 2021, revealed that Surrey Police is performing well in certain aspects but faces challenges in response times, crime recording, and support for officers and staff. The inspection found the force to be good in two areas, adequate in four, requires improvement in two, and inadequate in one.
One of the chief concerns raised by HMICFRS is the speed at which Surrey Police answers calls. The force responded to 77% of 999 calls within ten seconds, falling below the expected standard of 90%.
Roy Wilsher, His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, expressed concerns about the impact on public safety, stating that delayed responses could result in unreported crimes and a lack of safeguarding for vulnerable individuals.
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Chief Constable Tim De Meyer acknowledged the areas needing improvement, emphasizing the force’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised. He highlighted ongoing changes, investments in technology, recruitment, and training, particularly within the contact center, as steps taken to improve performance.
While the report identified several positive aspects, including effective crime prevention, management of registered sex offenders, and early safeguarding in child abuse investigations, it also emphasized the need for prompt and efficient responses to calls.
Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, expressed confidence in the force’s progress in addressing the identified areas of concern. She cited improvements in contact center performance, with 88% of all 999 calls answered within ten seconds.
However, Townsend acknowledged challenges related to the volume of non-crime-related calls and highlighted initiatives to address mental health-related calls.
The HMICFRS report recognizes Surrey Police’s commitment to reducing violence against women and girls and highlights various programs supported by the police and crime commissioner’s office. While improvements are acknowledged, the report emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to ensure accurate crime recording, efficient response times, and enhanced public support.
The force is now under the leadership of Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, who assumed the role earlier this year. The ongoing commitment to addressing areas of concern and the collaborative efforts with partners and stakeholders are crucial to achieving the desired improvements outlined by the HMICFRS.
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