Devon and Cornwall Police graded ‘Good’ in latest HMIC Legitimacy report

Devon and Cornwall Police has been graded as ‘good’ by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) in the police legitimacy report published today, Thursday 8 December.

A second report into police leadership was also published, however all Forces were ungraded.

The reports form part of the HMIC’s annual inspections of police effectiveness, efficiency, legitimacy and leadership (PEEL).

The reports show the Force has clear and well-established leadership expectations and has been assessed as good in respect of the legitimacy with which is keeps people safe and reduces crime. This is consistent with last year’s findings.

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Middleton said: “We welcome the positive nature of the legitimacy report. Treating people with fairness and respect is important to us and this is reflected well in the Force’s mission statement.

“Legitimacy is also about how we police with the consent of our communities. I welcome the HMIC’s findings that reflect the very high levels of public confidence and satisfaction in how we respond to need and keep people safe.

“Elements of our approach to legitimacy were found to be outstanding. We take the wellbeing of our officers and staff seriously, and act positively to identify and understand their needs.

“I’m extremely proud of our workforce who operate every day in a sometimes difficult and challenging environment, in a lawful and ethical manner.”

In terms of leadership, ACC Middleton added: “The HMIC identified the Force’s strengths in promoting staff progression and actively encouraging ideas from officers and staff.

“The Chief Constable, Shawn Sawyer, has taken the lead in engaging extensively with officers and staff to clearly define these expectations through the Force mission.

“The report recognises that these clear and well-established leadership expectations are effectively communicated and understood across the workforce.

“We are committed to talent management using a variety of mechanisms to provide support and ensure the progression of some of our most gifted individuals. We also support those individuals who seek lateral development rather than promotion.

“Whilst no recommendations were made in the reports, we are not complacent and continue to make improvements in the areas identified.”

The legitimacy report states that the Force vets new officers, staff and volunteers in an appropriate way.

The inspection identified a number of officers and staff who, whilst they are vetted to our local standard, have not yet been re-vetted to the current nationally agreed standard.

As a result the Force is now ensuring that all staff vetting is updated to the current nationally agreed standard.