James Vaughan (Chief Constable) presented an update on progress since the force exited special measures and outlined the objectives of Operation Resolve.

a)    11 months ago, the force was in a period of instability following the suspension of both the Chief Constable and Acting Chief Constable, and was subject to enhanced monitoring by HMICFRS and the Chief Constables initial priorities were:

                      i.        Restoring stability in the leadership team;

                     ii.        Improving performance sufficiently to exit special measures;

                    iii.        Setting a strategic course for future resilience, including workforce and budget planning aligned to the Police and Crime Plan;

b)    The force successfully exited enhanced monitoring in July 2025. The Chief Constable confirmed that leadership stability had been achieved, with the Deputy Chief Constable reinstated and a strong senior team in place;

c)    Operation Resolve was launched in August 2025 to restore frontline patrol and neighbourhood policing to design strength by the end of 2025. Key elements included:

                      i.        Returning 121 officers to uniformed roles by 01 April 2026, with 71 redeployed by Christmas 2025;

                     ii.        Additional ring-fenced funding of £4.7m for neighbourhood policing, enabling recruitment of 50 neighbourhood police officers, 50 PCSOs and 20 Special Constables;

                    iii.        A rank review to reduce senior officer numbers and reinvest savings into frontline roles. It was reported that one Assistant Chief Constable, two Chief Superintendents, seven Superintendents and over ten Inspectors had been removed, with further reductions planned among Sergeants;

d)    Recruitment remained challenging with applications per vacancy having fallen from 16:1 three years ago to significantly lower ratios. Multiple entry routes were available, including:

                      i.        Direct entry as a Detective;

                     ii.        Degree apprenticeships;

                    iii.        Graduate programmes;

                    iv.        Standard entry without degree requirement, to attract candidates with relevant experience;

In response to questions raised it was reported that:

e)    The Chief Constable emphasised the importance of PCSOs for visible, community-focused policing. PCSOs were valued for problem-solving and reassurance, and were less likely to be diverted to other duties compared to Police Constables;

f)     The Chief Constable confirmed that firearms officers were considered specialist roles and were not part of the frontline uplift, but essential for public protection. A review of authorised firearms officer numbers was underway to ensure alignment with threat levels;

g)    On assaults against emergency workers, the Chief Constable stated that CPS was not downgrading cases. Crown Court judges had indicated that too many cases were being elected for trial rather than remaining in Magistrates’ Courts, where sufficient sentencing powers existed;

h)    Hotspot policing had been delivered using central grant funding and was recognised as evidence-based in reducing violence and antisocial behaviour. The force was a national exemplar in deploying Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) powers. Continuation of hotspot policing would depend on future funding settlements; if funding ceased, the force would seek to mainstream the approach within neighbourhood policing;

i)     It was reiterated that where people damage or deface public property, the Police would investigate the complaint and could bring people to justice for it. The issue of flags on public lampposts and flyovers was a matter for the owners of that roadside furniture to remove. If local authorities had made a decision to remove flags from street furniture, the Police would support local authorities in their lawful activity against those who seek to disrupt local authorities lawful and legitimate right to remove flags;

j)     The Chief Constable addressed concerns regarding potential disbandment of the Diverse Communities Team and advised the Panel that no decision had been made and all options remained under review. Any changes would seek to embed capability within neighbourhood teams;

k)    The Chief Constable confirmed that decisions on custody provision had not yet been made. A review was underway to assess whether the six custody centres could be consolidated to reduce costs and reinvest savings into frontline policing. Any proposals would be subject to stakeholder engagement, evaluation and consultation. The Commissioner emphasised that operational risk and arrest rates would be key considerations;

l)     The Chief Constable reiterated that recruitment was ongoing and encouraged applications for the roles of Police Officer, PCSO and Detention Officer roles, highlighting policing as a secure and rewarding career.

Actions:

1. The Commissioner to confirm completion of an Equality Impact Assessment for Operation Resolve and report back to the Panel.

2. Commissioner to ensure stakeholder engagement and evaluation strategy for custody review.

3.     Commissioner to provide clarity on future decisions regarding the Diverse Communities Team.

The Panel agreed to note the report.