Greater Manchester Police removed from enhanced monitoring
Date published: 28 October 2022
GMP has been removed from an enhanced level of monitoring by the police inspectorate
Greater Manchester Police has made improvements and has therefore been removed from an enhanced level of monitoring by the police inspectorate.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) continuously monitors the performance of all police forces in England and Wales.
The monitoring process consists of two stages: Scan and Engage.
All police forces are in the Scan phase by default, but may be escalated to Engage.
Greater Manchester Police was moved into the Engage phase in December 2020.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary has decided to remove Greater Manchester Police from Engage because it has made several improvements, including:
responding appropriately to the public and vulnerable people, including answering calls more quickly;
better understanding its performance and the capability and capacity of its workforce, and providing better support for officers and staff;
halving the number of open investigations, giving officers more time to focus on bringing offenders to justice; and
more accurately recording crime.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke said: “I am pleased with the progress that Greater Manchester Police has made so far.
"Whilst there is still more to do, I have decided to remove the force from our enhanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, and return it to routine monitoring.
“I am reassured by the plans Greater Manchester Police has in place to continue making improvements.
"The force will be inspected again during 2023, when we will assess its progress to make sure the people of Manchester are getting the service they deserve from their police force.”
Mike Peake, Vice Chair of Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “GMP Federation does not just welcome the news that HMICFRS have taken the decision to remove GMP from special measures, but also that GMP is the most improved force in the country.
“Chief Constable Steve Watson is right to thank officers and staff for their continued professionalism, which has been present not just during the period of improvement, but an ever constant when facing the everyday pressures that modern day policing brings.
“The hard-working dedication that our members continually display has significantly contributed to the safety of the communities of Greater Manchester.
"I make specific mention to the reduction of the time now taken to answer 999 calls, just seven seconds, at a time when the public need us the most.
"There are now 30,500 crimes recorded each month, along with in an increase in burglary arrests by 68%.
“It is also important to acknowledge the positive impact that Mr Watson and the new force senior leadership team have had since their arrival last year.
"To their credit they have listened to the concerns raised by our members, and GMP Federation have started to forge what is a good working relationship with them.
“However, this is not a time to rest on our laurels, there are significant challenges ahead, and we look forward to working with the force to continue to make improvements.
“Improvements that will not only benefit the communities we serve, but will also provide the necessary support needed to enable officers to carry out the varied and difficult demands that are expected of them.
“We now have a foundation to build on, and with the uplift in officers and the forces recognition of the need for more investment in officers, staff, training, and investigative resilience we are confident the force are heading in the right direction.”
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