West Midlands police bosses to find out outcome of key inspection later this year
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) is currently undertaking a PEEL (police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy) inspection of the force.
West Midlands Police bosses will find out the outcome of a key inspection into its effectiveness later this year.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) is currently undertaking a PEEL (police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy) inspection of the force.
It is the first one taking place since late 2023 which saw the force plunged into special measures amid concerns it was not effectively managing the risk posed to the public by registered sex offenders.
They also had concerns the force doesn’t manage the risk posed by online child abuse offenders effectively.
HMICFRS put West Midlands Police into ‘Engage’ status, requiring enhanced monitoring, before being taken out of special measures just 10 months later and described as the ‘fastest improving force in the country’.
At a West Midlands Police and Crime Panel meeting, chair Councillor Anthony Ward asked if there had been any further PEEL inspections since.
The region’s Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said it was currently taking place with the final report expected in November.
He also said the Government had handed West Midlands Police a top performance grade in addition to the ongoing PEEL inspection.
Councillor Ward said the panel would keep the issue on its ‘work programme’ to keep track of the outcomes and address any failings, should they arise.
Mr Foster said: “The current PEEL inspection is underway and inspectors have been in force conducting their field work for three weeks in June and July.
“They commenced the evidence and data gathering exercise earlier in January of this year.
“They then have that three week period where they conduct their field work, verifying the data provided by West Midlands Police.
“They will be working towards preparing a final report probably in about November this year.
“That will be the first PEEL inspection report that will have taken place since the report published on December 22 2023.
“I think it’s worth remarking the Government has prepared a new police performance regime and, a week or so ago, they allocated all 43 forces across the country to a level one, two, three or four.
“That’s part of the formal PEEL inspection report. One being the best level to be allocated and four being the equivalent of ‘engage’ status.
“West Midlands Police were allocated to level one. In other words, to the best category available as a consequence of that provisional assessment process.”