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His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) has reported that numerous police forces across England and Wales still require significant improvements in how they handle crime investigations and address fundamental aspects of policing. In the latest annual review, Michelle Skeer highlighted concerns that many victims are being denied the level of service they rightfully expect. Forces are reportedly struggling with gathering adequate evidence, advancing investigative leads, and maintaining clear communication with victims about their cases.
Despite these challenges, the report noted encouraging developments in neighbourhood policing and highlighted positive efforts by regional organised crime units, which operate across multiple jurisdictions. One of the clear strengths identified in the report was the dedication and professionalism of the police workforce, praising most officers for their courage and commitment to keeping the public safe. HMIC conducts inspections of all 43 police forces in England and Wales over a two-year cycle, with recent assessments covering 13 forces, including Merseyside, Cumbria, and Devon & Cornwall. Unfortunately, none of the evaluated forces attained ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ rankings for either investigating crime or maintaining a safe and lawful custody environment.
The inspection also revealed broader systemic issues beyond investigations. Delays in answering emergency and non-emergency calls, slow response times to incidents, and inconsistencies in safeguarding vulnerable individuals were cited as significant problems. Additionally, some forces were found to be lacking in appropriately identifying vulnerabilities and in deploying resources effectively, particularly in cases involving missing persons. The report clearly states that “too many forces still weren’t getting the basics right or providing the public with a consistently good service in the areas that matter most to victims.”
Michelle Skeer described the situation as a “pivotal moment for policing,” noting that although performance remains inadequate in certain areas, well-managed reforms hold the potential to enhance services for both the public and police personnel. The report also points out that the increasing complexity and resource demands of modern crime adds further pressure on officers. Government plans, such as the proposed National Police Service to oversee counter-terrorism and fraud investigations, are expected to ease some of this burden on local police units. Responding to the report, Policing Minister Sarah Jones emphasised the government’s commitment to modernising policing through increased neighbourhood policing, elevated standards, and improved use of technology aimed at ensuring local policing effectively meets community needs.
Victim Support’s CEO, Katie Kempen, acknowledged the immense pressure on police forces but insisted that “police must get the basics right.” She stressed that “it is unacceptable that victims and survivors are paying the price for police failings” and reaffirmed that every crime victim deserves respect, access to justice, and appropriate support. The report also referenced the ongoing financial challenges facing police forces, with Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller highlighting long-standing understaffing and resource shortages. Fuller highlighted statistics showing Cleveland has the country’s highest crime rate alongside the largest reduction in officers since 2010, underscoring the urgent need for increased resources. As a result, Cleveland Police received an additional £2 million in funding for tackling serious crime and will benefit from a 3.7% funding increase, amounting to nearly £198 million in the 2026-2027 financial year.
This annual HMIC assessment follows a recent publication by the Police Leadership Commission, which found that the leadership identification and development system within the police requires substantial reform. The independent review warned that standards among senior officers are inconsistent, with many chief constable vacancies attracting only a single candidate. It also flagged concerns about low morale and motivation throughout the service and recommended changes to recruitment and promotion procedures to better support effective leadership
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