HMICFRS inspection finds North Wales Police is good at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour

North Wales Police is good at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour and people receive a good response from the force according to a report into its effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy published today.

The HMICFRS inspection carried in June 2022 found that the force is good at responding to the public and seeks the views of local communities to understand what is important to them. It was also assessed to be good at pursuing high risk offenders and identifying vulnerable people, although it was considered that some areas would benefit from improved digital capability.

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “Our vision is to be the safest place in the country to live, work and visit, and in some areas of crime, we have amongst the lowest crime levels nationally. We are pleased that the HMICFRS has identified that we are good at preventing crime and antisocial behaviour, with some very positive observations about how we are solving problems in communities. Pinning down crime and bringing offenders to justice is incredibly important to us.

“We are also pleased that our response to the public has been identified as good – the public want to know that when they ask for our help we will be there for them and respond effectively. We place a big emphasis on this because it forms the basis of a good police response.

“We have also placed a big focus on engaging communities, with a good strong neighbourhood policing function and it is pleasing that this has been recognised. We place a premium on neighbourhood policing, with local officers and PCSOs working in their communities and solving local problems.”The report also found that North Wales Police has a culture of ethics and supportive leadership to support and promote inclusivity. Leadership and development courses have been embedded to ensure managers are equipped with the correct skills, and the force encourages a culture of learning and reflective practice across all departments.  This has been a progression since the last inspection in 2019, and the organisation continues make improvements and implement changes to improve Equality, Diversity and Inclusiveness.

The report, which can be read in full here concluded that our work with academia and the national problem-solving crime prevention programme was innovative.

Chief Constable Blakeman said: ‘We recognise that there are some improvements to be made following the findings of the inspection, including aspects relating to improving the fair use of ‘stop search’ powers, and promoting multi-agency working to ensure that vulnerable people are safeguarded effectively. We also acknowledge the findings outlined in the report of the force’s ‘adequate’ position regarding Strategic Planning and Value for Money. 

‘However, whilst the report reflects the financial position at the time of the review, it has developed significantly since, given the inflationary pressures being felt across the policing sector as a whole. Set against this challenging context the force continues to strive to operate as efficiently and effectively as it can, encouraging a culture of value for money.’

Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, said: ‘I am pleased that this report has recognised the good work being done by North Wales Police across several areas, such as neighbourhood policing, preventing crime, tackling anti-social behaviour, and ensuring the safety of vulnerable members of our society.

‘All these areas form part of my Police and Crime Plan for North Wales, so it is heartening to see that they are singled out for praise by His Majesty’s Inspectorate.

‘I will continue to work with the Chief Constable and other senior officers to build on the findings of the report and to identify where any changes might be necessary.

‘I am determined to ensure that residents of North Wales live in the safest and most secure region in the country and I thank all the officers and staff of North Wales Police for their hard work in trying to achieve this aim.’