North Wales Police faces scrutiny over crime investigations

North Wales Police’s performance was reviewed at the latest Strategic Executive Board, with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin scrutinising progress in key areas following a recent inspection.

The board, chaired by the PCC on Tuesday 18 February, saw Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman provide an update on the findings of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS). The inspection, which assesses police efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy (PEEL), identified three areas where the force requires improvement: investigating crime, protecting vulnerable people, and leadership and force management.

Chief officers presented measures taken to address these concerns, including improvements in training, governance, and resourcing. The PCC also examined the force’s wider performance, noting that crime data integrity was rated as outstanding but stressing the importance of continuous monitoring.

In addition to the PEEL inspection, scrutiny focused on North Wales Police’s response to serious and organised crime (SOC). The force was assessed on efforts to raise awareness of emerging threats, improve intelligence gathering, enhance local policing training, and work with partners on crime prevention initiatives. The Commissioner also reviewed how data is being used to target offenders and prevent reoffending.

PCC Andy Dunbobbin said: “I know, like me, the public will have been concerned about aspects of the recent PEEL inspection, where in some areas the force was graded as requiring improvement. When the report was published in December last year, I said that I had no doubt that the Chief Constable was already taking measures to address the issues raised. Therefore, it was only appropriate that, at the earliest opportunity, I scrutinised her plans to improve performance in the areas identified as requiring improvement.”

He added that he was reassured by the Chief Constable’s commitment to addressing the concerns, particularly in crime investigation and protecting vulnerable people, and confirmed that ongoing scrutiny would continue.

Regarding serious and organised crime, the PCC said: “I’ve had several briefings on progress in addressing early issues raised and look forward to the re-inspection that will take place by HMICFRS shortly. I was satisfied that the force is taking steps to make SOC everyone’s business in tackling serious threats to our communities.”

The Commissioner reiterated his commitment to scrutinising force performance and working closely with the Chief Constable to ensure improvements are made.

Residents can access more details on police scrutiny meetings and read minutes on the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales website.