Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has been praised for its significant improvements in the latest inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), marking a major step forward since the previous review.
The latest PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) report finds the force has no areas requiring improvement, with all categories now rated as either good or adequate, making it one of only five recently inspected forces nationally to achieve this status.
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones welcomed the findings, which reflect her priorities of delivering a best-in-class police service the public expects: a force which strives to carry out timely investigations; delivers better neighbourhood policing, and provides improved support for victims of crime.
PCC Donna Jones said:
“This report shows the force is getting stronger, more responsive, and more in tune with public expectations. Since the last inspection, where several areas needed improvement, the Constabulary has made real progress.”
The inspection highlights include:
- A geographical policing model that has strengthened ties between officers and local communities, with Local Bobbies and more police stations open to the public
- Improving investigative capabilities leading to better outcomes for victims.
- Stronger at protecting vulnerable people, and tackling violence against women and girls.
- Tough approach on tackling anti-social behaviour and retail crime
- Effective partnerships and innovation in local crime prevention and victim services.
- Emergency call answering times have improved significantly, with 95.5% of 999 calls answered within 10 seconds as of January 2025, exceeding required standards.
PCC Jones went on to add:
“Every pound of taxpayers’ money must be spent wisely. My core duty as Commissioner is to engage with the public on what matters to them and ensure the Constabulary delivers. That is why I supported the new geographical policing model, introduced my Local Bobby scheme ahead of any other police force in the country, and continue to open more police stations to the public.
Article continues below this advertisement “These changes have only been made possible by sound financial management and investment in the police estate to increase visibility and provide the best environments possible for police-community relations.
“Areas for improvement remain and I continue to challenge and support the Chief Constable to expand neighbourhood visibility, tackle crime, and make sure every victim gets a fast, fair and effective response – every time they call for help.
“Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents deserve the best of British policing; a modern police force rooted in tradition.”
Commenting on the report, Acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya has said:
“The findings of this report are a testament to the work of the officers, staff and volunteers who come to work every day to deliver for the public and to keep communities safe.
“We have worked incredibly hard as a collective effort to improve since our last inspection and the findings of this report rightly recognise the positive changes we have made.
“Throughout the inspection period, we constantly collected feedback and immediately started on the work required to continually improve, recognising that we still have more to do.
“The report reflected that we have made significant changes, are better connected with our local communities, improved the way we investigate to bring more offenders to justice, provided better outcomes for victims and reduced crime.
“I am particularly pleased to see the efforts we take to protect vulnerable people and deal with those who cause them harm, with many areas identified as promising or innovative practice.”
Great to hear, it would be nice if more was done going
forward to tackle speeding motorists.
Keep up the good work.
Do change the record. Most people are more concerned about being and feeling safe, not having to live with antisocial behaviour and crime prevention. Speeding is an issue but not the top of most people’s priority list.
So three weeks to get a call back after illegal snares found is “good”?as I told th wildlife officer who deigned to call after stating she wanted to.know if they were illegal?all snares are illegal love especially in public areas try reading the wildlife Act,informed her the warden and I had walked the copse removed other snares put it out on Social media to warn others dog walkers and children,we did their job for them,still saved a few pounds for the tax payer of which I am one!!!!