Surrey Police Win First ‘Outstanding’ Rating, But Improvements Needed

Published on: 3 Oct, 2019
Updated on: 9 Oct, 2019

An independent review has praised Surrey Police for its preventive approach to crime, protecting vulnerable people and for consulting its workforce ethically.

The inspection, by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), also identified improvements needed in force planning and managing demand.

The findings of PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) cover a wide range of areas. It’s the first time the force has received an outstanding rating.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp said: “We are delighted to see that a huge amount of effort from officers and staff across the force has been recognised.

“We pride ourselves on being a problem-solving organisation to ensure we are on the front foot to prevent crime and solve community issues at the earliest opportunity.

“Our priority is to make this county the safest it can be. A huge part of that is taking a ‘prevention is better than cure’ approach. We make sure we know our communities and have specialist officers who are experts in their neighbourhoods.”

Another area of assessment praised by HMICFRS was ethical and lawful workforce behaviour and fair treatment of the workforce.

T/DCC Kemp added: “It is so important to do all we can to treat our staff and officers with the respect they deserve for the huge commitment they show and sacrifices they make on a day to day basis.

“Demand on policing is a national issue being addressed with the well-publicised plans to increase officer numbers across the country. This is something we already sought to push ahead with earlier this year as the council tax precept was increased to allow us to recruit more officers and staff.

“Locally, we have a variety of initiatives with partner agencies to collaboratively reduce demand on our services and ensure those who need support receive it from the right agency.

“We have seen great results from a relationship with the South East Coast Ambulance Service where a dedicated mental health resource works alongside officers at times identified as high risk for people in crisis. This is being extended across wider areas of the force.

“Our collaboration with partner agencies has also helped. One example highlighted by the inspection showed 969 fewer episodes of children and adults reporting missing over 11 months.”

David Munro

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro said: “From regularly speaking to Surrey residents I know they really value their local officers and want to see an effective police force tackling issues that matter to them.

“So I am delighted to see the HMICFRS recognise Surrey Police’s overall approach to neighbourhood policing as excellent. This is a testament to the dedication of the officers and staff who work tirelessly in our communities to keep people safe.

“I will be working with the Chief Constable to see how improvements can be made.We are already working hard to make efficiencies and put as many resources as possible on the front-line which is why I instigated an efficiency review in both Surrey Police and my own office.

“Overall I think this is a really positive assessment of the Force’s performance, achieved at a time when resources have been stretched to the limit.

“It is my role on behalf of the county’s residents to make sure they get the best policing service possible so I am pleased our policing teams will be strengthened by the extra officers and operational staff made possible by the increased council tax precept this year.”