Cumbria Police has been rated as 'Requires Improvement' when it comes to protecting vulnerable people from harm, and supporting victims.
The rating is from the new HMIC police efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy - or PEEL report.
Cumbria Constabulary has been told it needs to improve its understanding of the risks presented to domestic abuse victims, young people who are repeatedly reported missing and the risk associated with child sexual exploitation.
The Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: “I am disappointed HMIC is of the opinion that the Constabulary ‘requires improvement’ in the way that it protects from harm those who are vulnerable and how it supports some victims.
“I have spoken to the Chief Constable and already much has been done to improve since the report. However, I will be asking for a report to come to the next meeting of the Executive Board in January so that people can see clearly the progress that is being made to protect vulnerable people particularly children.
“The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is firmly committed to improving services for victims in the county. The Bridgeway is now open and will provide consistent support within the county for victims of serious sexual assault and rape. It is only by us all working together that we can keep Cumbria safe."
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Darren Martland said: “We welcome this HMIC report. Protecting vulnerable people and keeping them safe is a priority for all Officers and Staff.
“We acknowledge that there are some administrative procedures that require improvement to ensure there are no inconsistencies in how we protect the most vulnerable from harm, and support victims of crime.
“We continue to work hard and have acted on a number of points that the HMIC mentioned in July. We are committed to training all our officers and staff to the highest possible standard, and further training has taken place since the inspection. We have also, with the support of the Police and Crime Commissioner, increased in the number of Officers within the multi-agency safeguarding hub, to give vulnerable people the help and support they need.
“It is positive to note that this report highlights much of the good work we do and that our victim satisfaction rate is high. Our Public Protection Units work hard to thoroughly investigate cases involving the most vulnerable in our county. The report has recognised this hard work and we are highly regarded by our partner agencies.
“We will continue to tackle issues such as child sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, hate crime and other forms of exploitation.
“I would urge anyone who has any concerns about a vulnerable person to contact Cumbria Police on 101 so we can put an end to abuse. All reports will be dealt with sensitively and professionally.”
HM Inspector of Constabulary Zoë Billingham, who led the inspections, said: “Victims of crime and anti-social behaviour who are vulnerable in some way are in greatest need of the police’s protection and support, but HMIC’s inspection found that most forces require improvement in how they protect and support them. As with all HMIC inspections, we immediately alerted forces where we found details of poor practice and risk, so that improvements could be put in place straight away.
“Whatever the overall judgment we came to, we know that there is hard work carried out by dedicated police officers and staff in every police force. We found many examples of committed and talented police officers and staff going the extra mile to meet the needs of vulnerable victims consistently, sometimes in the most difficult of circumstances, and I’d like to thank all those who work so hard in this often difficult and sensitive job.
“We were encouraged to find clear evidence that forces’ leaders, along with police and crime commissioners, have improved their response to domestic abuse since the publication of our report ‘Everyone’s Business’ 18 months ago. I want to see forces making the same sorts of improvements in the service they provide to all vulnerable victims.
“We witnessed a clear commitment from forces to improve the service they provide to vulnerable people generally. This determination now needs to translate into effective and consistent support and protection.”