Lincolnshire 2018/19

I am encouraged by the progress Lincolnshire Police has made since our last inspection. It is an improving picture. The force provides a good policing service to its communities bearing in mind that it is one of the lowest cost forces in England and Wales. The low funding base for the force means that it consistently struggles to provide as effective a service as better funded forces. Although the force still has work to do, it is to be commended for what it achieves with the money available to it.

The force is good at investigating crime. However, it needs to improve how it prevents crime and anti-social behaviour by using a more consistent, structured approach to solving neighbourhood problems.

Since our last inspection the force has developed better ways to make sure it identifies and responds effectively to vulnerable people. It works closely with other partners, like councils, to protect them. The force now needs to focus on providing a consistently good service in child protection investigations.

The force’s performance in recording crime is improving but it still has much more to do.

Lincolnshire Police understands the complexity and scale of the current demand for its services. It can continue to do more to understand the skills of its workforce and those it is likely to need in the future.

The force continues to uphold an ethical culture and promote the standards of professional behaviour it expects. I am pleased to see that it has improved its approach to the health and wellbeing of its workforce.

I commend Lincolnshire Police for the progress it has made across most areas since last year, and I am keen to see the force continue to make further improvements in the year ahead, especially if its financial pressures ease.