HMICFRS Report flags key failings in North Wales Police performance

North Wales Police has been urged to address significant shortcomings in investigating crime, safeguarding vulnerable people, and responding to emergency calls, according to the latest inspection report.

Despite being praised for its exemplary crime recording practices and strides in cultural improvements, North Wales Police faces critical challenges that risk undermining public confidence, according to the latest findings from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

Key Failings

• Investigating Crimes: The force’s investigations were criticised for inconsistent supervision and delays in digital forensics. In some cases, it took up to 11 months for devices to be examined, with officers describing the situation as letting victims down.
• Safeguarding Vulnerable People: Officers frequently failed to complete adequate risk assessments during domestic abuse cases. A review found 59% of incidents lacked sufficient detail, particularly when children were involved, limiting the force’s ability to implement effective safeguarding.
• Responding to Emergency Calls: Only 82.2% of 999 calls were answered within the national standard of 10 seconds. Delays in responding to incidents and poor communication with victims were also highlighted as areas undermining public trust.

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman acknowledged the findings and reiterated the force’s commitment to improvement: “We take these issues extremely seriously, particularly where they involve vulnerable members of our communities. Safeguarding is, and will remain, a priority for us. While we have already implemented changes, we recognise there is much more to do to ensure the highest standard of service for the public.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin echoed the need for urgent action while highlighting his commitment to holding the force accountable for change:

“A crucial part of my role as Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales is to hold the Chief Constable to account for the performance of the force. The HMICFRS PEEL report highlights areas requiring improvement—investigating crime, protecting vulnerable people, and leadership and force management. These are not issues to take lightly, and I will work closely with the Chief Constable to ensure the public sees real progress in these areas.

“However, it is important to recognise the areas where the report praises the force, particularly in crime data integrity and workforce support. Public confidence in these areas underpins the trust between the community and the police. My upcoming Police and Crime Plan will focus on three key priorities: a strong neighbourhood policing presence, supporting victims and communities, and ensuring a fair and effective criminal justice system. The findings of this report are a vital part of ensuring these priorities are met and that North Wales remains a safe place to live and work.”

Commendable Strengths

The report recognised North Wales Police as Outstanding for crime recording—a distinction shared by only a few forces in England and Wales. It also praised the force’s efforts to build a positive workplace culture through initiatives like the “Know Where the Line Is” campaign and leadership training programs.

CC Blakeman noted: “It is encouraging that our work to improve our culture and build trust within the organisation has been recognised. We have also achieved excellence in crime recording, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and service quality.”

The report further highlighted innovative practices, including the employment of policing degree students to support call handling and a doubling of applications for Domestic Violence Protection Orders over the past year, with 383 granted in 2024 compared to 165 in 2023.

CC Blakeman concluded: “We are already working on the areas raised in the report, and we will continue to invest in safeguarding, workforce development, and improving our response times. Our communities deserve a police force they can trust, and we are committed to delivering that.”