The framework for monitoring police performance is under review. More details will be published as soon as they are available.
Police Performance
HMIC is responsible for monitoring police performance in England and Wales and for tackling instances of underperformance. We assumed this role in April 2009; before this, the Home Office had the lead.
Monitoring
We carry out many force inspections each year and publish our findings within the Inspections area of this website.
These reports are used:
- by the police to improve practice; and
- by the public to find out how their local police are doing.
Tackling underperformance
HMIC chairs a regular meeting of policing representatives called the Police Performance Steering Group (PPSG).
The PPSG advise the HM Inspector of Constabulary:
- which forces they believe are underperforming
- if those forces may benefit from support or advice from the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) or elsewhere
- whether action taken to improve the performance of an underperforming force is having an effect.
At the meetings, each force is assessed and placed on one of five levels on the ladder of support and intervention, ranging from no external support required, to the Home Secretary deciding whether to direct local action or remove a chief constable.