Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s (HMIC) has issued a positive annual assessment of Hertfordshire Constabulary with its first PEEL report of the police force.
 
Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has welcomed the report which has rated Hertfordshire Constabulary as  “Good” and one of the better performing forces in the country.
 
Her Majesty’s Inspector Zoë Billingham said; “I am very pleased with the performance of Hertfordshire Constabulary in keeping people safe and reducing crime.”
 
She added:  “I am pleased by the strong culture within the force giving careful thought to ethical considerations. This is reflected in good examples of public engagement and an effective police response to issues that are important to the public.”
 
The report follows on from the previous two week’s HMIC reports for Police Legitimacy and for Police Effectiveness which both rated Hertfordshire as Good.
 
Mr Lloyd said: “In my time as Police and Crime Commissioner I have focussed on protecting local policing and officer numbers, ensuring that we are financially stable and capable, maintaining our position as a low crime county and focussing on victims. The HMIC has confirmed that these are areas of real strength for Hertfordshire.”
 
Mr Lloyd added: “This report brings together the results of over a year’s worth of intensive inspection and scrutiny of the Constabulary by the HMIC and I have found all of their reports extremely useful in my role of holding the Chief Constable to account for policing in Hertfordshire.
I have also been reassured that, although areas for improvement have been identified, the HMIC have found policing in Hertfordshire to be good and in a strong position for developing and improving in the future.”
 
Chief Constable Andy Bliss said: “This report recognises the strong leadership exhibited throughout the Constabulary – and it is important to note that this is not just at the senior level. Every day, officers and staff of all ranks, on the front line or in vital supporting roles, are displaying the ethical, resourceful and committed leadership skills that are required to deliver modern and effective policing.”
 
In a statement, Her Majesty’s Inspector Zoë Billingham said: “I am very pleased with the performance of Hertfordshire Constabulary in keeping people safe and reducing crime. The improvements that the force has made this year are noteworthy. I have been impressed by the dedication and commitment of the workforce to protecting some of the most vulnerable people. However, despite good work by the small specialist team, more needs to be done so that frontline officers fully understand their responsibilities towards missing children.
 
“I welcome the improved approach to domestic abuse, and the hub that has been set up with partner organisations to safeguard children better. The force generally investigates crime committed against the most vulnerable victims well.
 
“The force works well to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, and its approach to investigating crime and managing offenders is also good.
 
“I am reassured that the force is fully prepared to face its future financial challenges. It has achieved this through consistent and prudent planning and strong collaborative arrangements which the force is looking to develop further.
 
“I am pleased by the strong culture within the force giving careful thought to ethical considerations. This is reflected in good examples of public engagement and an effective police response to issues that are important to the public.”