New report finds areas where Surrey Police ‘require improvement’

STAFF VETTING ON THE LIST OF INSPECTORATE CONCERNS

- By JOSEPH BICKLE

AN INSPECTION of the inner workings of Surrey Police has found that the force “requires improvement” in multiple areas.

The inspection, conducted by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), looked into how Surrey Police manages the vetting of officers and staff, tackles potential corruption and upholds the standards of professional behaviour.

It found the force was “good” at tackling corruption in its ranks but “requires improvement” in the vetting of police officers and staff, as well as its ability to uphold the standards of professional behaviour.

The county's Deputy Chief Constable said the findings provided “important insight into (the force's) current effectiveness”, adding that they will be “working hard” to improve in the suggested areas.

According to the HMICFRS, “public interest in police behaviour is high”; therefore, it is “essential” that their inspections are conducted to maintain the public's trust and confidence in their local force.