Statement in response to the findings from the most recent PEEL inspection, undertaken by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.
Regional Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Mayo said: “Innovating together to protect the people of the East Midlands from the most serious and violent criminals is at the heart of everything we do at EMSOU.
“We welcome the scrutiny afforded by the HMICFRS and, taking into consideration the recommendations of this most recent inspection, we continue to work with our five constituent forces to ensure we nurture the most efficient and effective collaboration in the fight against serious and organised crime.
“Being found ‘inadequate’ at tackling serious and organised crime is of course not a badge we wish to wear any longer than is necessary, as it is not reflective of the high standard of work that our officers and staff deliver, rather a comment on the way we are funded and resourced.
“The inspection was undertaken in spring, last year, and since then we have made significant in-roads in resolving many of the recommendations contained in the subsequent report, by reviewing our various collaboration agreements and funding model.
“Our Chief Constables and PCCs are currently finalising the financial provision for the coming year (2023/24), which includes a request for a three-year funding settlement for EMSOU. This would be a positive step towards improving the stability of the collaboration going forward.
“Finally, I’d like to acknowledge the innovation, good practise and operational delivery at EMSOU, that was also highlighted in the report. We are extremely proud of the work our officers and staff do on a daily basis to protect the public from the scourge of organised crime. The excellent results we achieve speak volumes of the dedication and skill that exists at EMSOU in tackling those individuals and networks posing the highest threats of harm across the East Midlands.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry has recently taken over as regional lead for serious organised crime (SOC) with East Midlands Specialist Operations Unit (EMSOU), as part of a drive to enhance partnership working in the region.
She said: “Working collaboratively has a range of advantages. When five forces work together as one team it allows each of those forces to access a much wider pool of skills, experience and expertise. It also provides resilience and consistency across the region in tackling some of the most serious and complex crime types.
“As part of my new role, I will be helping to strengthen those partnership commitments and relationships that help us tackle SOC effectively.
“I am really pleased to see the report’s recognition of EMSOU’s good operational outcomes and its practice on data analytics. From talking to senior leaders in forces and fellow Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) across the region it is clear to me there is a real commitment to driving continued improvement in the service EMSOU provides. I aim to ensure we all keep pulling together in the right direction.
“However, it is important to recognise the areas for improvement that have been identified. I accept progress needs to be made to make this collaboration work to its full potential, which I will seek assurance on with my regional PCC colleagues.
“I am encouraged by the fact that things have already moved forward rapidly in each of the areas of recommended improvement since the inspection took place a year ago. Following an operating model review, a three-year funding settlement for EMSOU is now in the final stages of being agreed and there has already been a big increase in staffing in the last 12 months, thanks to the Police Uplift programme, with further recruitment being planned.
“The partnership will continue to get stronger and we will work together, innovatively, to protect the communities of the East Midlands.”
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