Norfolk Constabulary has been told it risks losing the confidence of the public, after a watchdog found some crime victims were not even told their investigations had been dropped.
The criticism comes after the annual inspection of the force was carried out by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.
In its report, the watchdog said the service "required improvement" in the way it dealt with the public and said it was not keeping victims routinely informed about the progress of investigations.
“This means there is a risk that victims’ wishes aren’t being fully represented and considered before the crime is finalised,” it stated.
Not always being kept updated, particularly for serious crimes, risked victims losing confidence in investigations, it added.
Roy Wilsher, HM Inspector of Constabulary, said overall the force had “improved its crime investigation, but more needs to be done”.
However, his annual report said Norfolk was among the best forces for charging or summonsing offenders and the opening of Swaffham and Broadland Gate specialist complex case hubs would further help investigations.
“However, there is still scope for improvement as supervision can be variable, and in some cases investigative opportunities aren’t taken,” he added.
Chief constable Paul Sanford said: “We are pleased that they see the direction of travel for the force is good. We have made improvements from the last inspection. I see this as a staging post to where we want to get to.”
He said the force would be working to address highlighted failings including “routinely keeping victims up to date with how we are getting on with our inquiries”.
He added: “We are among the best in the country for solving these crimes and the inspectorate notes that we are better than when they last inspected us in all areas of investigation. That is not to say we cannot get better still.”
Concerns over stop and search and handcuffing
Mr Sandford said work was underway to improve officers' recording of why suspects had been stopped and searched after no reasonable grounds were found in a third of cases reviewed by inspectors.
They said this risked the public “losing confidence in its use of these powers” and that handcuffing compliant people during searches “appears to be unjustified”.
Mr Sanford said the force was investing in technology to allow officers to record grounds digitally to raise standards.
“Stop and search remains an important tool for us to reduce crime. I don’t want this report to deter my officers from using it,” he added.
It is important that officers consider the safety of both themselves and those they are searching and use of handcuffs was on most occasions justified, he said.
Praise for preventing crime
Inspectors rated the force good for preventing crime and managing offenders.
Mr Wilsher said: “The force is good at tackling crime, incidents and vulnerability through a focus on prevention activity.
“It has many initiatives that are making a difference to victims of crime and those who might be drawn into crime.”
The chief constable said: “The practical effect of that on the ground is when you see our low burglary rates. That comes about because we are prioritising and directing our officers towards those offenders who cause the most harm to our communities.”
He added: “It makes more sense for us to invest to prevent crime from happening in the first place than having to respond to it when it does.
“So I’m pleased to see prevention of crime and managing of offenders acknowledged as a strength areas for us in the report.”
The report raises concerns that the force is below the national average for arrests relating to domestic abuse.
But Mr Sanford said was getting a lot better at marking different crimes as domestic incidents.
"Previously the domestic abuse incidents that we were dealing with were mainly assaults and violence in the home. We are now recording a lot more online based harassment and controlling behaviour, some of it quite historic where the proportionality of it is not always spelt out," he said.
"I do want to see people who perpetrate domestic abuse arrested and prosecuted, so we will be looking at that to see if we need to make improvements."
Good value for money
The inspection report rated the force was outstanding for providing value for money, strategic planning and organisational management.
It comes after the police precept on council tax bills was increased this year.
“They have been clear that our fiscal management and how we look after the pennies is incredibly strong,” said Mr Sanford.
“I know now more than ever in the cost of living crisis there will be public scrutiny and I am pleased we are rated as outstanding in that area.”
In response to the report, Norfolk police and crime commissioner, Giles Orpen-Smellie, said: “As the public’s elected representative, I would like to congratulate the constabulary on the findings of the HMICFRS report for 2021/22 and would like to thank the chief constable and his police and staff colleagues for continuing to serve the citizens of Norfolk so well.
“There is a lot to celebrate here. However, in the quest for excellence in policing there will always be areas for improvement and I look forward to working with the chief constable to address these issues in order to further improve policing effects on the ground.”
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