West Yorkshire Police crime recording judged as ‘Outstanding’
16 May 2019
West Yorkshire Police has been praised by HMICFRS inspectors as 'Outstanding' for the way it records crime.
The Force is one of only two in the country (of the 34 inspected so far) in this programme of inspections which have been judged as achieving an 'Outstanding' performance; and it is the first among the country's metropolitan forces to be graded as 'Outstanding'.
Awarding the top grade, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service (HMICFRS) said in its Crime Data Integrity Inspection 2018: "Victims are at the forefront of the force's crime-recording arrangements." It added: "The Force has made excellent progress in improving its crime recording standards since our 2014 inspection."
The Crime Data Integrity HMICFRS programme of inspections is to ensure crimes reported to police are recorded accurately.
Temporary Chief Constable John Robins said "This shows how West Yorkshire Police has a victim focused approach to crime recording. This report reflects the efforts that we have made to get this right and it demonstrates the ethical crime recording practices by our officers and staff.
"This should reassure our local communities that if they are a victim of crime and report it to West Yorkshire Police, they will have their crime recorded appropriately.
"By having accurate crime statistics, the Force can truly understand demand and vulnerability. This enables us to deploy and prioritise our resources effectively and efficiently.
"When our crime statistics are published, the public of West Yorkshire can be confident that they are the most accurate they have ever been. However other Forces have not been graded so highly at getting crime recording right, so careful consideration should be taken when comparing Forces, as it will not always be like with like.
"We are not complacent and recognise that improvements still need to be made in some areas and we are determined to continue ensuring the quality of our data is of the highest standard."
Temporary Chief Constable John Robins added: "Our officers and staff have worked incredibly hard to get this right, so I am very pleased with the report that reflects the high level of importance we have attached to both ethical crime recording and high standards of victim care."
Mark Burns-Williamson, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for West Yorkshire, said: "I am delighted that West Yorkshire Police have been awarded this outstanding grading for the way it records crime and I would like to thank all the police officers and staff who have worked so incredibly hard to make this happen.
"It's so important that people know when they report crimes they are being recorded correctly and that they are getting the right support, which this report demonstrates.
"The sustained improved recording practices now in place across West Yorkshire mean we are getting a clearer indication of the problems and where they are occurring.
"Investment into ensuring crime recording is accurate coupled with the significant hard work by West Yorkshire Police, led by Temporary Chief Constable John Robins, means that they are only the second force to be recognised in this way, which is a significant achievement especially against the backdrop of the challenges being faced as compared to other similar forces in England and Wales.
"West Yorkshire Police have acted on recommendations for improvement from the HMICFRS in a previous report and collectively officers and staff have ensured this outstanding rating, with a continued overview from me and the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner.
"I join HMICFRS in commending and congratulating WYP for their hard work and commitment in putting victims at the forefront of what we are doing and encourage the HMICFRS to ensure their work continues to achieve a level playing field."