Latest news with #MarkHobrough
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- South Wales Argus
Gwent Police PEEL inspection report says improvements needed
Inspectors found the force is improving the service it provides to victims of rape and other serious crime but said 'overall, it brings too few offenders to justice and too many of its investigations lack effective supervision.' It has also been told it needs to improve how promptly it attends 999 calls 'in particular those involving domestic abuse victims' and make sure it updates callers on delays to officers attending. The force also doesn't 'yet have a clear understanding' of why it takes the force longer to attend domestic abuse related incidents than other incidents. Mark Hobrough was appointed as the new chief constable for Gwent in December last year and the force has also been told its leadership and management requires improvement, including in how it informs staff of changes. All other graded areas of the force's work were ranked as adequate by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, in its PEEL inspection of the effectiveness of the force from 2023 to 2025, other than recording data about crime which was marked 'outstanding'. Inspectors also looked at how 'effective a service' Gwent Police gives to victims of crime but doesn't make a graded judgment for this area. Workloads for officers, including sergeants, was identified as a shortcoming in investigating crime and of 73 cases inspectors examined only 64 had investigation plans which met national standards. 'Realistic lines of inquiry' were also missed in 28 cases with only 65 of 93 cases effectively supervised. Inspectors found, in November 2024, there were 36 sergeants overseeing more than 100 criminal investigations each with one response policing sergeant responsible for 247 cases and a sergeant in the 'virtual response team' supervising 336 cases. Several cases of rapes, assaults and sexual offences against children hadn't received any 'apparent supervisory action for weeks at a time'. Progress towards increasing the number of qualified investigators, and trainees, had improved since being required as an improvement in 2022. The timeliness of investigations could improve, inspectors, said as investigation times lengthened across response, neighbourhood policing and for investigation hubs towards the end of last year. Demands on officers were also identified as behind the requirement for improvement in protecting vulnerable people. The force was also found to be making little use of legal powers to place restrictions on those accused of stalking, applying for just one stalking protection order, in the year ending March 2024, despite recording 1,982 offences. It also hadn't secured any sexual risk orders and its previous eight applications had been unsuccessful. It is working with its legal services department to improve the quality of applications. It was more successful in securing sexual harm prevention orders against convicted sex offenders. Gwent Police recorded 8,936 crimes related to domestic abuse, in the year to September 2024, and made 99 domestic violence protection order applications which was 1.1 per cent of the total. That was within the 'normal range' compared to other forces in England and Wales. However Gwent Police were less likely to make an arrest to aid an investigation into domestic abuse, doing so in just 34.2 per cent of cases, compared to the 43.4 per cent England and Wales rate. Teams for managing sexual and violent offenders are well staffed with manageable workloads and the force ranked as adequate for managing offenders and suspects. However in the year ending September 2024, it had the highest rate of all forces in England and Wales of domestic abuse offences lapsing from pre-charge bail, which carries restrictions on what a person can do, to being released under investigation without any conditions imposed on them, at 23.7 per cent. READ MORE: Inspectors said the force needs to improve how it informs victims, witnesses and suspects of their status related to being bailed or released under investigation. The report said crimes involving sexual offences and anti-social behaviour were a particular example of its outstanding recording of crime. However it still needs to improve recording of protected characteristics, such as race or sexual orientation, of victims to monitor whether certain groups are more likely to be impacted by crime. HM Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer said in her report: 'I am satisfied with some aspects of the performance of Gwent Police in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing victims with an effective service, but there are areas in which the force needs to improve.'
Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
Gwent Police brings too few offenders to justice inspectors say
Gwent Police brings too few offenders to justice inspectors say It must improve crime investigation and other areas of its work but rates highly for recording crime, File image of a Gwent Police car A Welsh police force brings "too few offenders to justice" and has been told to improve its crime investigation. A report from inspectors says Gwent Police is "improving the service it provides" to victims of rape and other serious crime, but doesn't bring enough culprits to justice. Too many of its investigations lack effective supervision, an inspection report out today (FRI JUNE 27), warns. The force has improved how quickly it answers 999 calls, but still needs to improve how quickly it attends calls and how it manages risk for incidents it can't attend promptly, Chief Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer added. Looking at the force's performance from 2023 to 2025 inspectors found staff complaining their case loads were too high. One sergeant was responsible for supervising 336 cases and another 247. More junior staff reported that they are sometimes sent to crimes they aren't qualified for. The Chief Inspector of Constabulary concluded that Gwent Police's overall performance was satisfactory but with three important areas ranked second from last last in five possible gradings awarded and five as only "adequate". Gwent Police Chief Constable Mark Hobrough (Image: Jonathon Hill ) Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Article continues below "I am satisfied with some aspects of the performance of Gwent Police in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing victims with an effective service, but there are areas in which the force needs to improve," Chief Inspector of Constabulary Ms Skeer notes in her introduction to the report. "The force is improving the service it provides to victims of rape and other serious crime. But overall, it brings too few offenders to justice and too many of its investigations lack effective supervision," the hard hitting 55 page inspection report says. Crime investigation and protecting vulnerable people along with leadership and force management were all judged to "require improvement", only one step up from the worst ranking of "inadequate". The force did better in the six other areas judged. It was rated the best possible outstanding for recording crime, particularly crime involving sexual offences and antisocial behaviour. On the four areas of preventing crime, managing offenders, responding to the public, police powers and public treatment and developing a positive workforce the force was rated second from last "adequate". But on crime investigation the inspectors found that only 64 of 73 cases they looked at had investigation plans which met national standards. The force had taken appropriate investigative opportunities in only 71 of 99 cases. This meant realistic lines of enquiry, which may have resulted in offenders being identified, apprehended or brought to justice, weren't always followed. Gwent Police also only effectively supervised 65 of 93 cases examined. "Many sergeants and inspectors in response teams, neighbourhood policing teams, and criminal investigation departments told us that caseloads were too large. They said they couldn't effectively oversee every investigation. We found several examples of sergeants supervising high numbers of cases," the 55-page inspection report adds. In November 2024 the force's operational effectiveness board was told that 36 sergeants were overseeing more than 100 criminal investigations each. One response policing sergeant alone was responsible for 247 cases. In the force's virtual response team, one sergeant was responsible for supervising 336 cases. Many sergeants and inspectors in response teams, neighbourhood policing teams, and criminal investigation departments told inspectors that caseloads were too large. They said they couldn't effectively oversee every investigation. Worryingly, inspectors also found several cases of rapes, assaults and sexual offences against children hadn't received any apparent supervisory action for weeks at a time. And the report goes on: "We found too many examples of investigations into serious and complex crimes allocated to staff without the necessary training. The force should make sure that investigators and supervisors are allocated offences which they are suitably trained to deal with. It should also make sure that they have capacity to investigate promptly." The force also requires improvement in protecting vulnerable people, the inspectors said. The force needs to make sure it complies with national guidance for the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, including meeting disclosure timescales. On the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as Clare's Law, which allows a member of the public to request information about a partner's past history of domestic violence from the police, Gwent scored worst of all forces in England and Wales . The force discloses less frequently to applicants than other police forces. In the year ending 30 September 2024, just 22.1 percent of DVDS Right To Know applications to Gwent Police led to disclosures. This is the lowest rate in England and Wales, the inspection report notes. In the year ending 30 September 2024, the force used arrest to help it to investigate domestic abuse or to protect victims in 34.2 percent of cases. This is lower than the England and Wales rate of 43.4 percent. In the year ending 31 March 2024, Gwent Police recorded 1,982 stalking offences, which equated to 3.3 offences per 1,000 population. Despite this, the force applied for only one interim and one full Stalking Protection Order. The report goes on to say inspectors found that the force hasn't secured any Sexual Risk Orders (SRO) - these are orders courts impose to protect the public from the risk of sexual harm by placing restrictions on a person's behaviour. "Vulnerable victims can't yet be confident that the force effectively uses protective tactics and orders to keep them safe," inspectors said, "The force needs systems which provide reassurance that it takes appropriate action to safeguard adults and children at risk of harm," inspector said. Rating management and leadership as also "requiring improvement" the report said Gwent Police force "should make sure it is effectively managing demand and has the right resources, processes and plans in place to keep communities safe." But inspectors noted: "During 2024, movement in the chief officer team meant that, at times, more than half its personnel were in temporary promotions. The chief officer team is now more stable and the force continues to develop its senior leaders." Summing up her team's findings Ms Skeer said: "Gwent Police is investing in the development and diversity of its leaders. It equips its personnel to uphold high standards of behaviour and fair treatment. Reassuringly, feedback from the workforce indicates that the force has created an ethical working environment where supervisors challenge discriminatory behaviour." "The force is outstanding at recording crime promptly and accurately, particularly crime involving sexual offences and antisocial behaviour. Gwent Police also understands its daily demand well and makes sure that its operational priorities receive focus. Gwent Police Force rankings from inspectors Outstanding 1 Crime recording Requires Improvement Crime investigation Protecting vulnerable people Leadership and management Adequate Police powers and treating the public fairly and respectfully. Preventing and deterring crime and anti social behaviour and reducing vulnerability Requires Improvement Protecting vulnerable people Responding to the public Managing offenders and suspects Building, supporting and protecting the workforce * No areas looked at were deemed to be the worst possible "inadequate" or second best "good". Cashflow This was not rated by inspectors but on spending the report also notes that for the 2024-25 financial year, Gwent Police force initially forecast£4.62m deficit but this is now £1.68 million, as the Police Settlement provided a higher level of funding than expected. But the force "will need to find further savings" to meet the forecasted financial deficit of £4.4 million in 2027/28 as per its financial plan. In the financial year ending 31 March 2024, usable reserve levels stood at £29.8 million. The force told inspectors this will decrease to £21.2 million in the year ending 31 March 2025 and is forecast to reduce further, "which isn't sustainable in the longer term". Article continues below
South Wales Argus
30-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Gwent police and crime commissioner on first year of role
I can honestly say that is has been one of the most challenging, but also most rewarding, times of my career. In the last year alone, I have made three of the biggest decisions that a police and crime commissioner is responsible for. I have appointed a new chief constable, published my Police and Crime Plan, and set Gwent Police's budget. I appointed Mark Hobrough as chief constable of Gwent Police in December 2024. The appointment followed significant public engagement and a series of interviews with panels made up of partner organisations, community members, and young people. Mark's knowledge, and dedication to the people of Gwent, came through strongly. Six months on, I remain convinced of his passion and commitment for making Gwent a safer place for our residents. At the start of this year, I formally set Gwent Police's budget for 2025 – 2026. A significant part of this is now made up directly by money received through council tax, and it is my job to set the level of the council tax precept which is paid by residents. I believe the final budget is a fair balance between affordability and the money needed to create a safer Gwent and deliver on the commitments I have made in my Police, Crime and Justice Plan. The plan was launched in March and has five priorities which are: preventing crime and antisocial behaviour, making our communities safer, protecting the vulnerable, putting victims first, and reducing reoffending. I decided to focus on these areas following months of public engagement and focus groups with residents. They also reflect the commitments I made when campaigning for election. They are underpinned by my unwavering commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. While it has been a challenging year, I can honestly say that it has been a joy getting to know the different communities that make up Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen. I have attended community groups, local events, spoken to residents and visited many of our schools to talk to children and young people. I remain incredibly proud of the trust and confidence residents placed in me when they voted for their commissioner. I promise to continue to work hard to make a difference for our communities and make Gwent a safer place for us all. Jane Mudd is the police and crime commissioner for Gwent.
South Wales Argus
22-04-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Jane Mudd police and crime commissioner on racism
The Macpherson Inquiry into the case uncovered many failings by the police including institutional racism and corruption. It led to major changes in policing throughout the UK and from the awful tragedy of Stephen's murder came the positive catalyst for change. This is Stephen's legacy. As we mark National Stephen Lawrence Day this week, I have been considering how I can play my part in continuing this legacy and make a difference for our communities. Stephen's killers were motivated by hate. My commitment to tackle hate crime has a prominent place in my newly launched Police, Crime and Justice Plan. I want our communities to be places where everyone can live their lives as themselves, free from fear and harm. Where everyone treats each other with the values of acceptance, tolerance, and respect. When the behaviour of those who do not share these values crosses over into hate, we must take firm and appropriate action. This is one of the challenges of a growing and diverse population, and policing must rise to the challenge. I know from speaking with so many people over the last year that when residents receive an efficient, effective and above all professional service from the police, when they feel they have been treated with respect, it builds their trust and confidence in their police force. This leads to more issues being reported, more intelligence gathered and, ultimately, to more crime prevented. Everyone gets a better service as a result. We have the right to expect our police officers to act with the highest standards of behaviour, to use their powers proportionally and ethically, and to be accountable for their decision-making. Ensuring that this is a focus for Gwent Police is a priority for me during my time in office. Chief Constable Mark Hobrough has repeatedly made it clear that this is also a key priority for him and his senior leadership team, and it is my job to hold him to account to ensure this is delivered. We have come so far in the last 32 years since Stephen's death, and we must continue this momentum. We must continue to work together to call out intolerance and hatred in our communities, to build trust and confidence between our residents and the police, and to ensure that our public institutions are delivering the best possible service to the highest possible standards. This is what I have committed to during my time in office and what I aim to deliver for the people of Gwent. This is Stephen's legacy.
BBC News
27-03-2025
- BBC News
Hertfordshire Police force spent £215,018 on kennelling dogs
A police force spent more than £215,000 on kennelling seized dogs in the space of eight months last Police did not confirm how many dogs were kennelled, but it had spent more than neighbouring Bedfordshire Police, which spent £129,610 - and Cambridgeshire, which spent £159, that time, the Hertfordshire force seized 59 dogs suspected of being banned breeds, including the XL Bully. The constabulary said dogs can also be kennelled for welfare concerns and to protect the public. The information was provided following a Freedom of Information Request, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. 'Welfare concerns' The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) says it can cost up to £1,000 a month to keep a dog Chief Constable Mark Hobrough, lead for dangerous dogs at the NPCC, warned: "The demand has been and continues to be simply huge. "We are facing a number of challenges in kennel capacity, resourcing and ever-mounting costs."Veterinary bills and the cost of kennelling across policing has risen from £4m in 2018 to currently standing at more than £11m, and this is expected to rise to as much as £25m by the end of April 2025." Across the UK, police forces seized 4,586 suspected banned breed dogs between February and September 2024.A Hertfordshire Police spokesperson said: "Dogs can be kennelled by police for numerous reasons from welfare concerns through to protecting the public. "We know it can be traumatic for some owners to be parted from their pets, but our specialist dog unit ensures their welfare is maintained at all times." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
