Mayor and Deputy Mayor respond to findings of HMICFRS report into GMP

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham and Bev Hughes, Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime and Criminal Justice, have commented on findings contained within Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS)'s report 'Greater Manchester Police - Victim Service Assessment (VSA)'.

Andy and Bev said: “The people of Greater Manchester rightly expect its police force to protect them. Today’s news will be worrying for many, because the accurate recording of crimes reported and prosecutions made is a fundamental part of law enforcement. That so many cases in Greater Manchester went unrecorded in a three-month period earlier this year is simply not good enough.

“Last month the Deputy Mayor met with the lead inspector from HMICFRS. She presented the report’s contents and the Deputy Mayor made it clear to her that she would accept her findings and recommendations in full and use the report to drive major improvements at Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

“Since the summer, GMP has developed a detailed action plan to address its failings. The Deputy Mayor received a draft of this plan last week and, together with the Mayor, met with the Chief Constable on Monday where it was discussed. A further, more in-depth review meeting is scheduled for next week, and the Deputy Mayor intends to meet regularly with senior representatives from GMP concerning this matter; she expects to see significant improvements within clear three and six month milestones.

“The Mayor will also meet with senior GMP leadership on a monthly basis and will be updated on progress made. A swift and comprehensive improvement by GMP is of the utmost importance, and while groundwork has been laid with our activity in recent weeks much more needs to be done.

“The public of Greater Manchester should be assured that both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are in complete agreement that the failings identified in today’s HMICFRS report are wholly unacceptable. This matter is being taken extremely seriously and we will require GMP to make significant improvements, and fast.”

Article Published: 10/12/2020 12:58 PM