More changes needed at police force - inspectors

More improvements are needed at Surrey Police force but there is optimism that changes can be made, a police inspectorate says.

A report from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found that officers in some departments remain overworked, but that plans were being put in place to try and support staff.

The force was also told it needed to improve its investigation of crime, but that its responses and call times had improved.

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer welcomed the report, adding it was a "fair assessment of our progress made so far".

Roy Wilsher, HM inspector of constabulary, said in the report: "There are still areas in which Surrey Police must do better, but I am optimistic that the plans it has in place will help it make the improvements needed.

"Since our last inspection, the force has improved its response to the public and its use of police powers."

Previous inspections of Surrey Police in 2023 raised concerns about how quickly it responded to public calls, with just 77% of 999 calls answered within ten seconds.

The report found "vast improvements" had been made, with 89.6% of calls now answered in the same time frame.

Inspectors also found, though, that officers in some investigations teams, including those looking at sexual offences and child abuse, were "overloaded with work".

The force was applauded for using stop and search powers "fairly and appropriately".

Surrey Police was also told it needed to improve its management of fraud investigations, and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Chief Constable De Mayer said the force was "determined to serve victims tirelessly" and that more changes to the structure of the organisation would be put in place in May.

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