West Midlands Police: fastest improving force moves out of special measures

West Midlands Police has moved out of special measures less than 10 months since it was placed into them.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) made the announcement yesterday, stating that the force would now return to the default phase of monitoring, known as Scan.

HMICFRS Chief Inspector, Andy Cooke, said he was satisfied that West Midlands Police had successfully addressed four causes of concern which were cited after an inspection in September 2023.

West Midlands Police’s unprecedented turnaround is thought to be the fastest of any force that has been placed into the Engage phase of our monitoring.

Responding to the news, West Midlands Police Chief Constable, Craig Guildford, said, “Today, being recognised by HMICFRS for the improvements the force has made and in record time, it gives me the opportunity to rightly praise the professionalism and commitment of our officers and staff who continue to work tirelessly across the West Midlands.

“It is thanks to their collective efforts that the force has and continues to make such accelerated progress, improving the services we provide to the public.”

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, added, “This is a matter that I have treated with the utmost seriousness and as a top priority.

“I have been committed to holding West Midlands Police to account and working with the Chief Constable and the Inspectorate, to ensure that action was taken to address the capacity, capability and quality of investigations.

“I am pleased that, as a consequence of the action taken and the dedication and hard work of officers and staff, the Inspectorate has acknowledged sustained improvements in performance and removed the force from Engage.