West Midlands PEEL 2018

This question was not subject to detailed inspection in 2018/19, and our judgment from the 2017 efficiency inspection has been carried over.

Last year, we inspected how well West Midlands Police was meeting current demand and using resources, and judged that the force required improvement. Before this year’s inspection, we discussed with the force the need to re-inspect this area as part of our risk-based approach to the integrated PEEL assessment. It was jointly agreed that, because of continuing work to improve how it manages demand in the force control room and its crime-recording accuracy, we would not re-inspect this area this year and that last year’s grade would be carried forward.

Although we did not inspect this area formally, our continuing monitoring work throughout the year found that the force’s ability to respond to current demand and calls for service is improving slowly. The force is making significant investment in new systems and processes to enhance capability and capacity in both the control room and crime-recording functions. We will monitor progress as the force introduces new ways of working to make the improvements required.

West Midlands Police is outstanding at planning for the future. The force has a well-developed understanding of demand, including emerging and hidden demand, which it continues to improve.

The force is making significant investments in new technology to streamline processes, improve public contact and increase workforce capacity. It is developing an impressive new data review and evaluation system, known as data driven insights (DDI). This innovation will give it a better picture of demand.

The force uses a variety of ways to engage with the public. It has also commissioned a customer satisfaction project to get feedback from service users.

West Midlands Police has a good record of allocating resources to meet demand and can respond swiftly to changing policing priorities. It also has a good history of achieving savings by reducing its workforce numbers. The force is clear about its future needs in terms of workforce numbers, skills and diversity.

The force has appropriate plans to meet predicted future demand at lower cost. It continues to look for savings throughout the organisation using a rolling programme of efficiency reviews.

The recent government announcement requiring forces to make additional contributions to their pension funds poses a serious risk to West Midlands Police’s future workforce plans.

The force has detailed plans for how it will make progressive improvements in workforce capability. The pace of change and the range of projects supporting the improvements in workforce skills and capability are impressive.

West Midlands Police has a clear vision and ambitious goals for improved policing in spite of increasing demand and financial challenges. It has conducted an extensive review of its priorities to 2025 and beyond.