Police force ordered to make improvements

OFFICIAL INSPECTION REPORT SPELLS OUT CRITICISMS

- By PAUL GREAVES

A NEW inspection report says Devon and Cornwall Police 'requires improvement' in key areas of integrity.

It needs to improve how it reviews vetting decisions, manages complaints and monitors the use of its IT systems, the police inspectorate has said.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) assessed the effectiveness of Devon and Cornwall Police in three main areas, as part of its integrity inspection programme.

It has been told that it 'requires improvement' in its vetting of police officers and staff, professional standards and counter-corruption arrangements.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said she was 'disappointed' but not surprised by the findings, which were made public this week. HMICFRS found that the force:

■Actively looks for evidence of disproportionality in its vetting decisions and is adequately staffed to meet demand;

■Should improve how it explores and records information which might question the suitability of an individual during the vetting process.

It also needs to implement an effective quality assurance process to review vetting decisions;