Port of Tilbury-Police Constable

[Fedster + 1,307]

Greater Manchester Police have been put into special measures after inspectors revealed the force had failed to record 80,000 crimes.

Date - 18th December 2020
By - Chris Smith

HM Inspectorate has escalated the force to national oversight after reviewing its response to a critical report that concluded the force is failing vulnerable people.

Leadership will effectively be taken over by the Home Office, National Police Chiefs’ Council, the College of Policing and HMI.

But the force will be led through the process by someone other than the Chief Constable as Ian Hopkins has announced he is stepping aside to be treated for labyrinthisis – an inner ear infection.

Pressure had already been increased by the Home Secretary who had written to CC Hopkins last week telling him to send her a 'recovery plan' following a highly critical HMIC report into crime recording and treatment of victims. 

The review that found 80,000 crimes had not been dealt with .

HM Inspectorate said in a statement: “The level of scrutiny on Greater Manchester Police has been raised and the force has been placed in the Engage stage of the HMICFRS monitoring process.

"This is due to the causes of concern raised in HMICFRS’s recent reports which have highlighted the poor service the force provides to many victims of crime.

“In the Engage stage, a force is required to develop an improvement plan to address the specific causes of concern that have led to it being placed in the advanced phase of the monitoring process.

"The process is intended to provide support to the force from external organisations including the Home Office, College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs Council to assist in achieving the required improvements.”

In a statement provided on Wednesday, Mr Hopkins revealed he had been ill since the end of October.

“I continued to work throughout with the support of the rest of my Chief Officers team until Sunday 13 December, despite feeling very ill,” he added.

“I finally made the decision over last weekend that in the interests of my health I needed to take a break and recover properly so I can return and lead GMP with the same passion and strength of character that I have always demonstrated.

“Despite feeling ill I remain in contact daily with members of my Chief Officers team.”

The move came at the same time as Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and his team had set out with HMI how the force would improve.

Mr Burnham and Bev Hughes, Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime and Criminal Justice, had announced a series of actions in response.

This included the creation of a Gold Group that is meeting every day to review progress against an improvement plan.

Mr Burnham has been clear the force has problems but has challenged the HMI findings.

The Mayor said: "The report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) raised extremely serious issues with implications for the quality of services to victims that have been on-going for a number of years.

“More progress should have been made since the previous HMICFRS reports that highlighted this particular area of concern. Now that it has been made clear by HMICFRS, we are putting in place the necessary actions to improve standards of service to victims of crime in Greater Manchester.”

But he also argued that the force has been making improvements while struggling with the impact of significant cuts made during the austerity era.

"It is also worth setting out the context within which Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was already trying to implement significant organisational changes to improve performance in this area. The period of the inspection, April to June 2020, was difficult and GMP had to contend with a number of significant issues, including responding to newly-introduced COVID legislation including implementing and training across the whole organisation;significant loss of capacity due to illness, self-isolation and shielding; reduced capacity in the Crime Recording and Resolution Unit and District Crime Progression Teams;significantly increased demand relating to COVID-19 legislation.

"It is not true to say that, whilst long-standing issues remained, there had been no improvement in crime recording since 2016. In 2018, HMICFRS carried out a Crime data integrity Inspection within GMP. Although areas for continued improvement were identified, HMICFRS documented that "The Force was found to have made several improvements".

He added: "In 2018, HMICFRS upgraded GMP from inadequate to requires improvement. There were areas for further progress identified however the outcomes above show improvements had been made.

But he also made clear that the force was in trouble: "This said, it is recognised that the latest HMICFRS report has identified unacceptable service levels, which in turn has affected public confidence, and that is why the Mayor and Deputy Mayor have initiated a number of immediate actions to rebuild trust and confidence."

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[Fedster + 1,307]

GMP Chief Constable quits as force goes into special measures

Greater Manchester Police's chief constable has quit just hours after the force was put into special measures by the Inspectorate.

Date - 18th December 2020
By - Chris Smith

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has resigned from Greater Manchester Police.

He had earlier in the day announced he was taking time off work due to ill-health just as HM Inspectorate confirmed the force had become only the second in the country to be put into special measures.

In a statement he said: "These are challenging times for Greater Manchester Police. The force has a long-term strategic plan to address the issues raised by the HMIC and I believe this plan should be led by a Chief Constable who can oversee it from start to finish.

"Considering what is best for GMP and the communities we serve, and given my current ill health, I have decided to stand down from the post of Chief Constable with immediate effect.

"It has been an honour to serve the public for 32 years, nearly 13 of which as a Chief Officer in GMP."

The force had been heavily criticised by HMI over its failure to record crimes - a problem caused by an IT system launched less than two years ago.

The Home Secretary had demanded answers - and, crtitically, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham had siad the performance of the force had not been good enough.

No details of interim arrangements have been confirmed so far.

The statement was in marked contrast to the announcement that he was being treated for labyrinthitis - which had been suffering from since the end of October.

"I finally made the decision over last weekend that, in the interests of my health, I needed to take a break and recover properly so I can return and lead [the force] with the same passion and strength of character that I have always demonstrated."

But in a televised statement Mr Burnham said the HMI findings had shown problems over a long period of time: "This latest report, carried out in September, and based on force data, revealed an unacceptable lack of progress."

He confirmed he would be workig with the government to make improvements. Mr Burham added: "I can announce a further step today. I have agreed with Chief Constable Ian Hopkins that he will stand down with immediate effect from his duties."

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[Dave SYP + 2,961]

What a very sorry state of affairs for GMP. I think the CC’s decision to resign will not have been taken lightly. The HMI should also delve further into the former political and funding decisions taken which may have a bearing on the decline of the performance of this massive organisation.  The cynic in me is very suspicious about all the bureaucratic and political interference in the strategic makeup of GMP (and other forces) over recent years 

[Zulu 22 + 4,571]

Andy Burnham carries as much responsibility for this as Ian Hopkins but, it is Hopkins who is taking the can. There are some who contribute to this site who have always scoffed at the idea when you suggest that crime figures are/were being manipulated. In all honesty GMP have not had a decent Chief Constable since Sir James Anderton. He was outspoken but got issues dealt with. He knew most of his officers and they respected him. David Wilmott was a disaster and failed to back his officers, becoming political in branding them as Institutional Racists. Mike Todd was an egotist and womaniser more interested in self publicity than anything else. It was that publicity that assisted his demise. Peter Fahy was more interested in pleasing his Political Masters than backing the Force or its officers. Fahy went to GMP from Cheshire, as did Hopkins. Both were obsessed with being Politically Correct.  Wilmott, Todd, Fahy and Hopkins did not have the respect of the rank and file officers.  

It will be interesting to see who would want to apply for the "Hot Potato" job working with a Political head like Burnham and his political left wing staff.

Since the inception of PCC's I have only seen Forces deteriorate and forget what their true purpose is. 

[Radman + 2,163]

3 hours ago, Zulu 22 said:

Andy Burnham carries as much responsibility for this as Ian Hopkins but, it is Hopkins who is taking the can. There are some who contribute to this site who have always scoffed at the idea when you suggest that crime figures are/were being manipulated. In all honesty GMP have not had a decent Chief Constable since Sir James Anderton. He was outspoken but got issues dealt with. He knew most of his officers and they respected him. David Wilmott was a disaster and failed to back his officers, becoming political in branding them as Institutional Racists. Mike Todd was an egotist and womaniser more interested in self publicity than anything else. It was that publicity that assisted his demise. Peter Fahy was more interested in pleasing his Political Masters than backing the Force or its officers. Fahy went to GMP from Cheshire, as did Hopkins. Both were obsessed with being Politically Correct.  Wilmott, Todd, Fahy and Hopkins did not have the respect of the rank and file officers.  

It will be interesting to see who would want to apply for the "Hot Potato" job working with a Political head like Burnham and his political left wing staff.

Since the inception of PCC's I have only seen Forces deteriorate and forget what their true purpose is. 

Tell us what you REALLY think though Zulu 😂😂. 

[BlueBob + 692]

The CC may have decided that despite their best efforts with, or perhaps opposed,  to the PCCs efforts that this was the time to call it quits.     

[Radman + 2,163]

11 minutes ago, BlueBob said:

The CC may have decided that despite their best efforts with, or perhaps opposed,  to the PCCs efforts that this was the time to call it quits.     

I think GMP and to s slightly different extent the SNP have shown just how too much political meddling can totally mess a police force up. 

It isnt the first time this has happened either. 

Something needs doing about it. 

[Mac7 808]

I think Hopkins was right to go. Part of me thinks he should have stayed to implement change but perhaps it’s time for fresh ideas and forward thinking.  I do, however, think that Fahey is partly to blame for failing to plan for budget cuts and cuddling up to the government. He only became honest (or brave enough) with his opinions when he retired which showed the person he was.  
 

if the force is so bad then why isn’t the DCC or the rest of the “top team” considering their positions. Aren't they equally culpable? 
 

Unfortunately GMP will now become like other forces who have been criticised by HMICFRS for under recoding crime and start over recording.  
 

There is only one credible candidate for the job as CC of GMP and that has to be Nick Adderley.  

Edited December 19, 2020 by Mac7

[Reasonable Man + 1,231]

10 hours ago, Mac7 said:

Unfortunately GMP will now become like other forces who have been criticised by HMICFRS for under recoding crime and start over recording.  

Other than ‘there was this one case where a crime was recorded’ type stories which Force(s) have been criticised for over recording crimes? 

As for the the political interference of GMP leading to this state of affairs - I cannot see it. In 2016 GMP were judges inadequate in crime recording and given an ‘action plan’ to improve. ‘It’s the IT’ cried the Force, ‘We’re getting a new system and all will be well.’

2018 reinspected and 10’s of 1,000’s of more crimes has been recorded but still inadequate. Not enough time improvement especially in DA and rape.  ‘We haven’t had enough time with the new system.’ 

2020 inspected again and put into special measures. 

So the top corridor knew for 4 years that they were under the microscope for this and failed to improve it to the required standard. 

What political interference was there putting pressure on the Chief to NOT improve in a key area that his Force had been publicly criticised for, twice? 

[Zulu 22 + 4,571]

9 hours ago, Reasonable Man said:

What political interference was there putting pressure on the Chief to NOT improve in a key area that his Force had been publicly criticised for, twice? 

The introduction of PCC's made it political. The person in charge of Policing is the PCC, Andy Burnham in GMP. His office would not want true crime recorded as it would reflect on the governance by the PCC's. Burnham has had several years to make a positive impact but, sadly, his impact has been completely negative.  Burnham should have gone but is happy to hide behind the retirement of Ian Hopkins.

The Old Police committee system was also highly political with them regularly trying to interfere. Whereas Sir James Anderton told them where to get off, his successors cow towed to them, starting with Wilmott and going through, Todd, Fahey, and Hopkins.

You could blame computer systems very easily as it is relatively easy to delete crimes from it. The old system of Crime Complaint books was completely different. Each page was numbered and once the crime was recorded in that, it remained. The only way to change that was to tear out pages which was obvious that an alteration, deletion, had been made. Each Crime had to be accounted for and, contrary to the belief of some, CID officers could not over ride that.

[Mac7 808]

14 hours ago, Reasonable Man said:

Other than ‘there was this one case where a crime was recorded’ type stories which Force(s) have been criticised for over recording crimes? 

As for the the political interference of GMP leading to this state of affairs - I cannot see it. In 2016 GMP were judges inadequate in crime recording and given an ‘action plan’ to improve. ‘It’s the IT’ cried the Force, ‘We’re getting a new system and all will be well.’

2018 reinspected and 10’s of 1,000’s of more crimes has been recorded but still inadequate. Not enough time improvement especially in DA and rape.  ‘We haven’t had enough time with the new system.’ 

2020 inspected again and put into special measures. 

So the top corridor knew for 4 years that they were under the microscope for this and failed to improve it to the required standard. 

What political interference was there putting pressure on the Chief to NOT improve in a key area that his Force had been publicly criticised for, twice? 

You seem to asking me a question that I’ve not asked. Or reading into something that isn’t there. Political interference? I said they’d failed to adapt to reduced budgets from 2010 onwards. They weren’t the only casualties of that. 
 

Over recording? I talk from professional experience. I don’t think it’s the fault of the cops or civvy crime recorders more the beast that has been created by HOCRS and inspections where forces are criticised for “under recording crime.” The headlines would have you believe that 80,000 victims have been ignored or not had investigations completed. I would like to know what proportion of that figure is non adherence to HOCRS.  Perhaps you could answer that or have a discussion about it rather than a flippant “there was an occasion when...” comment.  
 

Forces are recording the primary offence reported/recorded but then if circumstances dictate, HOCRS state a secondary offence should also be recorded, even though technically not reported to the force in question.  Crime recorders are trawling existing crime reports and incident logs to ensure standards are adhered to, often creating additional crime reports to ensure adherence. I don’t necessarily have an issue with this but crimes are being recorded based solely on the brief circs of an incident log without the incident being attended or persons called for clarity. Quite often the result Is the “victim” is unaware a crime has been recorded when called back or a crime by definition has not occurred when a victim is called. It also leads to people being unfairly created as suspects on crime reports. It also sounds rather simplistic but multiply it by the amount of crimes a force has and the amount of departments reports go through before being finalised and the costs are huge.  
 

We are drowning in crime reports and are in danger of not being able to see the woods for the trees.  Bobbies are becoming over worked and tied to their desks.  
 

 

Edited December 20, 2020 by Mac7

[Beaker 817]

I don't get how they under record.  We can write 'crimes' off, but that needs our name on it and we need to speak to the NCRS team.  I've been to plenty of jobs where there was no crime, but there is a perception of a crime.  These get binned after I explain to the informant.  I've also recorded things that I know aren't going anywhere, but they need criming anyway.  It isn't complicated when a part time volunteer can do it without having any issues.

[Sceptre + 2,701]

5 hours ago, Zulu 22 said:

You could blame computer systems very easily as it is relatively easy to delete crimes from it. The old system of Crime Complaint books was completely different. Each page was numbered and once the crime was recorded in that, it remained. The only way to change that was to tear out pages which was obvious that an alteration, deletion, had been made. Each Crime had to be accounted for and, contrary to the belief of some, CID officers could not over ride that.

Are you really getting misty-eyed over the days of laboriously keeping records on paper, using such advanced technology as page numbers? 😂  I know GMP's recent migration has been a well-publicised disaster, but pen and paper is definitely not the answer here. It comes down to good training and a mindset change amongst the front line, which are both things the police finds difficult.

[Zulu 22 + 4,571]

1 hour ago, Sceptre said:

Are you really getting misty-eyed over the days of laboriously keeping records on paper, using such advanced technology as page numbers? 😂  I know GMP's recent migration has been a well-publicised disaster, but pen and paper is definitely not the answer here. It comes down to good training and a mindset change amongst the front line, which are both things the police finds difficult.

We got rid of the Crime Complaint Book paper recording years ago but, it could not be fiddled. The entry was in duplicate with the numbered pages. Top copy attached to the file and the duplicate remained in the Crime. Recently the GMP found out the hard way, when the Computer System crashed that many officers were incapable of completing any paper record. It is a sad reflection on the system when a Crime goes unrecorded or, it is recorded and no effort is made to investigate it or, it just gets a cursory attention. 

Yes the computer system speeded up many things especially searching for something but, it is not infallible. Havinf worked both systems and through the evolution there are plusses and minuses for both systems. However the plusses are far greater for the computer but shows up its weaknesses.

Someone mentioned the possibility of Nick Aderley as being a suitable candidate to replace Hopkins but, I honestly believe that there is little that can be leaned from Northamptonshire and Aderley was a produce of the GMP where I was not impressed.

[skydiver + 1,099]

GMP's problems highlight one of the many problems with PCCs particularly where the role secondary to the incumbent's main role.  In this case the elected mayor is also PCC which makes it hard for him to step down over police failures when he oversees a wide portfolio of other roles. Burnham would probably be able to point to successes in other areas in order to overcome criticism of his oversight of the police.  One way to overcome that would be to have a separate PCC although that in itself wouldn't be that popular among police as the overall very few people actually know or care what PCCs do.