Surrey PEEL 2016
Efficiency
How efficient is the force at keeping people safe and reducing crime?
How well does the force understand the current and likely future demand?
Surrey Police has undertaken a comprehensive analysis of some elements of current demand for its services. This analysis was used to develop the new Policing in Your Neighbourhood (PIYN) operating model that has been in operation since April 2016. However, the force recognises that it does not yet have a complete understanding of all of the less obvious areas of demand. It is therefore undertaking further analysis of hidden and emerging crimes affecting the county. The force is also actively seeking to identify demands on police time coming from partner organisations. The force has made some progress in better understanding the changing scale and nature of future demands, but there is more work to do.
The unanticipated consequence of the extra time taken for more rigorous risk assessment of calls for police service is that the answering of 101 calls is being delayed or these calls are going unanswered. Many people will call back but some victims may not and the force cannot be confident that it is getting a full picture of demand for its services and more importantly that all callers receive the appropriate level of service.
Areas for improvement
- Surrey Police should develop its understanding of current and likely future demand, especially in respect of 101 calls, ensuring that it has analysed appropriate information and intelligence from wider sources.
How well does the force use its resources to manage current demand?
The force is using its resources better to manage current demand. The force has achieved this improvement through the introduction of the PIYN operating model and the allocation of resources to areas based on the known demand in each area. The force has some understanding of workforce capabilities and gaps but has more work to do.
The force remains under-strength and the staffing levels in the area policing teams are still below the levels set by the PIYN model. This is having a negative effect on workloads and service quality in local policing.
Surrey Police has a strong record of collaboration with Sussex Police in a range of policing and support operations. This has improved efficiency and resilience. The force works well with some local partner organisations to improve how it manages demand for services, and has a procedure for reviewing the effects of any changes it makes.
Areas for improvement
- Surrey Police should ensure that that it has sufficient resources available to fulfil its resourcing model, and so to meet its demand, while also taking into account the well-being of its staff.
How well is the force planning for demand in the future?
Surrey Police is good at planning for future demand. It intends to repeat its analysis of resource allocation using the demand data for 2015/16 and for future years to assess changes and any likely impact on its area resourcing model.
The force has effective financial controls and a good record of achieving planned savings and service improvements. Financial plans are robust and built on prudent assumptions about income and expenditure, including inflationary trends. The force has rigorous procedures for assuring itself that its investments lead to the planned benefits and operational outcomes.