A comprehensive annual report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMIC) has concluded that numerous police forces across England and Wales are failing to meet fundamental standards in crime investigation and victim support. Michelle Skeer, the interim HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, highlighted that while the policing workforce demonstrates significant professionalism and courage, systemic issues persist in handling cases effectively.
Skeer noted that too many victims are not receiving the level of service they are entitled to expect. Key areas of deficiency include the collection of evidence, the development of investigative lines of inquiry, and the consistent updating of victims regarding the progress of their cases. Despite these challenges, the report acknowledged improvements in neighbourhood policing and the operations of regional organised crime units.
Under the current two-year inspection cycle, HMIC evaluated 13 forces, including Merseyside, Cumbria, and Devon & Cornwall. None of the assessed forces achieved a rating of good or outstanding for either investigating crime or maintaining a safe and lawful custody environment. Other forces included in the assessment were Suffolk, Staffordshire, Thames Valley, West Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Surrey, Wiltshire, North Yorkshire, Humberside, and Kent.
Beyond investigative shortcomings, the report flagged significant delays in responding to both emergency and non-emergency calls. Concerns were also raised regarding safeguarding protocols, specifically the inconsistent recognition of victim vulnerability and inadequate resource deployment for missing persons cases.
Skeer described the current situation as a pivotal moment for policing, stating that performance remains insufficient in critical areas. She expressed confidence that if managed correctly, ongoing reforms could deliver a superior service for both the public and officers. The report suggests that the government’s planned creation of a National Police Service, which would centralize counter-terrorism and fraud investigations, could help relieve pressure on local units dealing with increasingly complex cases.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones responded by affirming the government’s commitment to modernizing the system through increased investment in neighbourhood policing and technology. Meanwhile, Victim Support chief executive Katie Kempen emphasized that while forces face immense pressure, it is unacceptable for victims to suffer due to police failings.
Financial constraints remain a primary concern. Victoria Fuller, Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, told the BBC that her force has been under-resourced for years despite having the highest crime rate in the country and the largest decline in officer numbers since 2010. Cleveland Police has since been designated an additional £2m to tackle serious crime, with total funding for 2026-2027 set at £197.8m.
This report follows recent findings from the Police Leadership Commission, which criticized the system for identifying and developing leadership talent, noting low morale and a lack of high-quality candidates for chief constable roles.
Underfunding has clearly taken its toll. How can forces perform well with shrinking budgets and rising crime?
This is deeply concerning. Victims deserve better support and investigation standards across all forces.