Lancashire Police Instructed to Enhance Vulnerable Person Protection

A police force has received a directive to enhance its safeguarding of vulnerable individuals. This instruction follows an inspection that identified delays in assisting people seeking information about their partners’ domestic violence history. Despite this, Lancashire Police achieved an “outstanding” rating for crime prevention and was commended for certain “innovative practice.” His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary acknowledged the force’s success in crime reduction, but stated that enhancements in specific areas were necessary to deliver a “consistently good service.” Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett stated that the force had already implemented “positive changes” and was “seeing the benefits of these.” The review highlighted the force’s need to concentrate on “keeping some vulnerable people safe from further harm.” HM Inspector Michelle Skeer commented, “We found delays in some services, including the domestic violence disclosure scheme and referrals to multi-agency partnership arrangements.” The domestic violence disclosure scheme, also referred to as Clare’s Law, grants individuals the right to inquire with the police about a partner’s history of abuse. Ms. Skeer further stated, “I am confident Lancashire Constabulary will take swift action to address these delays, and I will continue to monitor the way it responds and takes steps to improve these areas.” Ms. Skeer commended the advancements achieved in preventing and deterring crime and antisocial behaviour (ASB). She noted that inspectors “saw several examples of promising and innovative practice.” She also mentioned that the constabulary had adopted a robust strategy for offender management and had “improved the quality and timelines of investigations” to “bring justice for victims.” Ms. Hatchett affirmed that the force had achieved “significant improvements” since its previous inspection in 2022. She remarked, “We are one of only two forces in the country to be judged as ‘outstanding’ for preventing and deterring crime and anti-social behaviour, and reducing vulnerability.” She highlighted that the force’s initiative to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB), known as Operation Centurion, led to a 13% decrease in ASB within hotspot areas over the last year. This operation also involved the force issuing over 300 ASB civil orders targeting prolific offenders. Ms. Hatchett further noted the recognition of their operation against shoplifting, which resulted in “more than 640 arrests since March.” She added that the force had implemented modifications to its control room, enabling it to be “answering more calls, more quickly and responding faster to crimes and incidents.” She concluded, “Of course, there are always things we can do to improve further, and we will need to reassure ourselves we are doing everything we can to protect vulnerable people by safeguarding those who need us most.”