North Yorkshire Police Peel assessment – mayor’s reaction

North Yorkshire Police has been rated “good” in six areas in the latest independent PEEL assessment by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), including leadership, safeguarding, crime prevention and fraud.

The force was judged “adequate” for responding to the public and investigating crime, and “requires improvement” in custody provision.

Police leaders welcomed progress, citing falling crime and faster call handling, while confirming action plans are in place to address identified weaknesses.

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David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, has welcomed the findings of the inspection, which highlights improvement since previous reviews, reflecting clearer leadership, increased collaboration and a strong focus on neighbourhood policing and public protection.

Mr Skaith said: “These inspection results reflect the hard work, professionalism and commitment of officers, and staff across North Yorkshire Police.

“Over recent years the force has taken real steps to improve how it keeps people safe in our region.

“The progress made is welcome but we must be clear – good is the minimum the public expect. The inspection is also clear that there is still work to do. The public have a right to feel safe wherever they live or work in our region and my expectation is that North Yorkshire Police must continue this progress towards becoming an outstanding police force.”

Jo Coles, deputy mayor for policing, fire and crime, who has delegated responsibility for police and fire, said it was encouraging to see the force’s progress since previous HMICFRS inspections identified clear areas for improvement.

“Working alongside Mayor David Skaith I will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account to monitor progress against the inspection recommendations, especially around custody and responding to the public to ensure the positive momentum of recent years is maintained.

“It’s also vital that we optimise the opportunities from devolution and the combined authority to support North Yorkshire Police on its journey to move from being a good to an outstanding police force.

“This inspection also reinforces the need for national policing reforms to be focused on delivery, strong local accountability and building public confidence.

“In York and North Yorkshire we will always want changes and reforms to be focused on what can best improve public safety and, as we’ve said previously, the Mayor and I are concerned any Yorkshire-wide police mergers would put this at risk.”

The Combined Authority remains committed to rebuilding trust and confidence in policing, supporting national efforts to halve violence against women and girls, and ensuring the public can see how their police service is held to account.

Residents are encouraged to engage with regular Online Public Meetings (the next one is on Thursday, May 21, where policing and fire services performance is scrutinised in public.