Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Legal News

HMIC reprimand police over attendance records, as public is told to turn detective (4 September 2014)

Date: 04/09/2014
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, HMIC reprimand police over attendance records, as public is told to turn detective

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has warned 19 police forces to improve recording of the number of incidents police attend.

In a new report, HMIC has warned Devon and Cornwall Police that a failure to record how many incidents police attend has made it difficult to assess the standard of service they are offering to the public.

Devon and Cornwall Police were also found to be failing to equip frontline police officers with mobile technology to enable them to access the police computer on the move, as well as search intelligence databases, or access policy and guidance information. The force is also unable to use mobile fingerprint identification on patrols and cannot submit intelligence or file a witness statement remotely – and officers are unable to read or update digital case files.

However, all 19 police forces whose poor recording of attendance was flagged up by the police watchdog have been told they must implement “accurate recording and monitoring” by March 2015.

“It is impossible for forces to assess the quality of service they are providing to victims – let alone understand the demands being placed upon the force – if they do not know which crimes they attend,” HMIC said.

In recent years, some police forces have been accused of under-recording incidents reported in an attempt to “massage” crime reduction figures.

The HMIC has also flagged up concerns that some crimes are being “decriminalised”, with the public being asked to “investigate” incidents they report themselves, including criminal damage and vehicle crime.

Victims who report such crimes are now likely to be asked to check for fingerprints, question neighbours and check online auction sites to see if their property is being sold, rather than police officers being tasked to carry out these investigations.

Duncan Lewis Crime Solicitors

Duncan Lewis crime solicitors are available 24/7, 365 days a year to advise at any stage of a criminal charge.

Duncan Lewis crime solicitors regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons to advise on criminal law – including youth courts and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs).

For expert legal advice on criminal charges and representation, call Duncan Lewis crime solicitors on 020 7923 4020.

For out-of-hours legal advice on criminal charges and representation, call the Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers Out-of-Hours Hotline on 07920 077057.

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is Spencer House, 29 Grove Hill Road, Harrow, HA1 3BN. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.