An HMIC (Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary) Report on Crime Recording issued today has recognised Lincolnshire Police as being one of the five best forces in the country for managing its crime recording processes. This is due to a simplified crime recording process, effective and appropriate training for staff, and leadership which is supportive of necessary change.
Deputy Chief Constable Heather Roach says, “We’re really pleased with the findings of the HMIC Report. It shows that we have a key strength around the accurate reporting of crime, and a very accurate conversion rate from incident to crime report. Our direct reporting into the Crime Management Bureau is also very good”.
“One of the ways that Lincolnshire has achieved an effective approach to crime recording is through its centralised crime recording unit and experienced staff. The report also highlights that the message from chief officers to frontline staff is clear and that non-adherence to recording rules is not acceptable at any level. HMIC did not find that staff in Lincolnshire came under any pressure, either explicitly or implicitly, which might lead to incorrect recording”.
DCC Roach says, “We accept the two recommendations made by HMIC and have already taken action in respect of both. We are also cognisant of the national recommendations to ensure that we have a victim-centred approach and our recording is totally ethical”.
Key points from the HMIC Report about Lincolnshire Police are:
Lincolnshire Police recognises the need to ensure that all our crime reporting processes and procedures are timely and accurate so that the public can trust the organisation and the service it provides.
Overall Lincolnshire’s report is good. HMIC have clearly recognised that there is effective leadership and governance around crime recording, with a clear Chief Officer lead and consistent messages to staff.
Our force crime registrar ensures that we comply with the National Crime Recording Standards and Home Office Counting Rules and is the final independent arbiter within a very tightly managed process.
HMIC describe our approach to crime recording as a victim-centred approach and our conversion rate of incidents to crime reports is generally good.
Much has been reported within the media nationally about staff being pressurised to meet crime reduction targets and therefore potentially manipulate crime figures, however HMIC found that in Lincolnshire the vast majority of staff understood the chief officers message and the standards that must be achieved. They did not find any evidence that performance pressures, explicitly or implicitly led to failures to record crime correctly.
The thematic report of all forces in the UK highlights that there is a real disparity between forces and makes 13 recommendations, which the force will clearly consider.
There are improvements to be made but Lincolnshire received only two recommendations and action has been taken in respect of both of these already.
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