UNDERSTAFFING and 'not sufficiently effective' investigations have led to West Mercia Police requiring improvement, according to a police watchdog.

A report released by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service found the force requires improvement in three of the eight areas assessed.

Chief Constable Pippa Mills says that steps towards improving these are already well underway.

Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams believes too many of West Mercia’s serious investigations are “not sufficiently effective”, with understaffing an issue in many departments.

She said: “I am satisfied with some aspects of the performance of West Mercia Police, but there are areas where the force needs to improve.

“Despite the force’s efforts to improve, too many of its serious investigations are inadequately supervised and not sufficiently effective. This is resulting in a poor service to some victims of crime.

“Several departments reported understaffing, which can affect workplace wellbeing. The force’s information technology systems are unreliable, leading to poor service and inefficient working practices.”

The Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) report states that the three areas requiring improvement are how the force responds to the public, how it supervises and investigates crime, and the effectiveness of force IT and the accuracy of its data.

Four of other areas were deemed ‘adequate’ with just one graded ‘good’ – preventing crime and anti-social behaviour.

Chief Constable Pippa Mills agreed that more could be done.

She said: “We agree with HMICFRS‘s assessment that we still need to do more to improve supervision of investigations and the quality and consistency of updating victims.

“Improvement work has already begun and is progressing at pace. This includes a focus on the standard of investigations and providing a better service to victims through improved and meaningful contact.

“It was recognised in the report that we answer our emergency calls promptly but more can be done to ensure each victim is provided appropriate advice.

“We agree that our technology and use of data needs improvement. We are on track to deliver an investment programme to modernise our digital service and the way that we use data to keep the public safe.

“Since arriving in West Mercia Police in September, I’ve focussed on making sure we work more efficiently and effectively. I am proud of the people that make up West Mercia Police and their commitment to providing a quality policing service and protecting people from harm.”