HMICFRS: Policing Performance System

The Government's White Paper on police reform announced the creation of a new performance system for all police forces in England and Wales.

On Thursday 16 July, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) will announce the agreed levels for all 43 police forces in England and Wales under the new arrangements.

The note below provides more information on the Policing Performance System and outlines the media products you can expect to see from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

First levels announcement Thursday 16 July

We will issue a press release on Wednesday 15 July, embargoed until 0001 Thursday 16 July. Journalists will be sent an embargoed PDF which includes the levels assigned to all forces.

HMICFRS will also issue individual press releases for every force in Level Three or Level Four (Special Measures) the highest levels of performance concern. These will also be issued on Wednesday 15 July, embargoed until 0001 Thursday 16 July. All press releases will be available on the HMICFRS website once the embargo lifts.

Interview bids:

For any interview bids to HMICFRS about the new system or about forces in Level Three or Level Four (Special Measures), journalists should contact the HMICFRS press office: 0300 071 6781 or hmicpressoffice@hmicfrs.gov.uk.

What is the Policing Performance System?

The Policing Performance System has replaced the current HMICFRS Scan' and Engage' monitoring process. Every police force in England and Wales will be assigned a level from Level One to Level Four (Special Measures) with Level Four (Special Measures) being the highest level of performance concern.

The level a force is assigned will reflect its current performance and the extent of support required. The aim of the Policing Performance System is to intervene early and support sustainable improvements.

Level One default position for all forces. No specific action or intervention is required from the performance system at this time.

Level Two enhanced support from the performance system will be available to prevent any deterioration in performance. This would apply where a force has some low-level, non-systemic issues, issues which are improving but still require oversight, or multiple minor issues.

Level Three targeted support and intervention will be provided by the performance system, and chief constables will develop improvement plans. This would apply where a force has a single, critical and lasting issue, widespread and/or systemic performance concerns, or fails to demonstrate meaningful improvements to existing performance concerns.

Level Four (Special Measures) forces will be subject to special measures where force performance failings are very serious and there is insufficient evidence or confidence that the steps being taken to address them are having the required effect.

Where a force fails to adequately address a cause of concern under the Policing Performance System, HMICFRS will be able to direct a force to do so (subject to specific circumstances and safeguards being met). Where a force fails to adequately engage with the Policing Performance System, it may be subject to Home Secretary intervention powers.

How are levels assigned?

Force levels are assigned at a new Policing Performance Monitoring Group (PPMG). His Majesty's Chief Inspector (HMCI), as chair of PPMG, has ultimate responsibility for deciding which level each police force is assigned to.

In deciding which level to assign a force to, HMCI considers a range of evidence and insight. This includes HMICFRS inspection findings, analysis of performance data drawn from the Police Performance Framework (developed and maintained by the Home Office), and contextual information from partner agencies such as the Independent Office for Police Conduct and College of Policing. Forces can also self-refer for additional support.

Before a decision is made by HMCI at PPMG, a Regional Triage meeting takes place. These are chaired by a regional HMI and also include the HMICFRS Chief Operating Officer, HMICFRS leads and Home Office representatives. At these meetings, the regional HMI reviews the performance of forces in each region, makes level decisions for forces at Levels One and Two, and recommendations for forces that may need to be placed at Level Three or Level Four (Special Measures). PPMG then considers these recommendations and will also be made aware of all Level One and Two decisions.

PPMG is chaired by HMCI and also includes HMIs, the HMICFRS Chief Operating Officer, the Home Office, the College of Policing CEO, and representatives from the National Police Chiefs' Council, Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct. PPMG meets three times a year, with the option for an emergency meeting if required. It ensures consistency across regional decisions and makes is where the final decision on Level Three and Level Four (Special Measures) are made.

Once a level has been assigned, HMICFRS leads on communicating that decision to the force and the public.

How are levels different to inspection reports and grades?

The Policing Performance System is linked to routine PEEL assessments and graded judgments, as well as other relevant HMICFRS inspections, but they are not the same nor a replacement for each other. These inspections will continue as normal and will be considered, along with a range of other relevant evidence and insight, to determine the level to which a force is assigned.

The Policing Performance System strengthens how inspection findings and ongoing assessment are used between inspections to monitor progress, escalate concerns and co-ordinate support. Information from inspections and ongoing assessment feeds into monitoring under the Policing Performance System, and vice-versa.