CHESHIRE Police has vowed to step up its efforts to record all reported crime at the first point of contact following criticism from Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC).

Simon Byrne, chief constable at the force, assured the police and crime commissioner for Cheshire David Keane during a scrutiny meeting that the issue was being taken seriously after concerns were raised over Cheshire Police’s crime recording processes.

This follows an inspection by the police watchdog who graded the force as ‘inadequate’ after more than 11,600 reports of crime were not recorded in a six-month period between June and November last year.

Speaking during the hearing, Mr Keane said: “The concern it raises for me is about the potential lack of justice for victims if what they have said in the initial call is not recorded or given the upmost seriousness.

“It is clear and accepted that the constabulary must take seriously the observations made by the HMIC.”

Mr Byrne outlined how the force had been working on issues that had been flagged up following the HMIC report in 2014 and was given ‘significant reassurance’ Cheshire Constabulary would not be in this situation from the regulator.

This had also been concluded following separate independent reports. 
It was noted how some crimes were not recorded at the first point of contact due to the complexity of the case.

If a crime was recorded within 48 hours rather than in the first 24 hours, it was also noted as a failing by HMIC.

After quizzing Mr Byrne about the steps being taken, Mr Keane concluded that there is a ‘clear action for delivery and change in the future’ at the force.