A police force in the East Midlands has been placed into special measures by a police watchdog.
Nottinghamshire Police has been assessed by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary as needing to improve how it carries out “effective investigations” and makes sure “victims get the support” needed.
The HMICFRS also says the force fails to have adequate processes in place to monitor performance and identify areas for improvement.
The Inspectorate continuously monitors the performance of all police and fire services in England and Wales, but now Nottinghamshire Police will be placed under an “enhanced level of monitoring”.
Nottinghamshire Police’s Chief Constable, Kate Meynell, said she recognised the “serious nature” of the watchdogs findings
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His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher said: “Nottinghamshire Police has been asked to urgently produce an improvement plan and will meet regularly with our inspectors. We will work closely with the force to monitor its progress against these important and necessary changes.”
“We move police forces into our enhanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, when a force is not responding to our concerns, or if it is not managing, mitigating or eradicating these concerns.
“The Engage process provides additional scrutiny and support from the inspectorate and other external organisations in the policing sector to help the force improve and provide a better service for the public.
The HMICFRS told the PA News Agency, the findings are “not related to the force’s handling of the Valdo Calocane case,” adding: “We did not look at the specific circumstances of this case.”
A full inspection report in to Nottinghamshire Police after an assessment between the end of 2023 – January 2024 will be published later this year.
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A full inspection report in to Nottinghamshire Police after an assessment between the end of 2023 – January 2024 will be published later this year
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Nottinghamshire Police’s Chief Constable said she recognised the “serious nature” of the watchdogs findings.
In a statement, Kate Meynell said: “I have taken urgent action to address the immediate concerns raised and have ensured that all of the initial recommendations that relate to our investigations and support for victims have been completed.”
The police force has previously been criticised for its handling of the investigation into the triple killing of students, Grace O’Malley Kumar, 19, and Barnaby Webber,19, plus school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, on June 13 in Nottingham last year.
Knife attacker Valdo Calocane, who has paranoid schizophrenia, was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after pleas of manslaughter under the grounds of diminished responsibility were accepted.
After public outcry following the outcome, Attorney General Victoria Prentis ordered a review of the Crown Prosecution Services handling of the case and asked the Court of Appeal to review Calocane’s sentence.
Nottinghamshire Police has been assessed as needing to improve how it carries out “effective investigations” and makes sure “victims get the support” needed
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The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating Nottinghamshire Police and Leicestershire for a number of incidents before and after the attacks.
The families of the two students have welcomed today’s announcement.
The families of Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar said: “We welcome the news today that the HMICFRS recognise that Nottinghamshire Police require intervention and urgent improvement and that they have effectively been placed into ‘special measures’.
“We hope this gives the residents of Nottingham more reassurance in their public safety.”
