Herts Police were told it requires improvement or was inadequate in more than half the categories of a recent watchdog inspection.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary published its PEEL inspection last month, which looked at the police efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy.

Areas found to require improvement were responding to the public, investigating crime, protecting vulnerable people, and leadership and force management. Recording data about crime was judged to be 'inadequate'.

However, police powers and public treatment, managing offenders, and developing a positive workplace were judged 'adequate', while preventing crime was 'good'.

The reports assessed Herts Police from December 2023 until June 2024.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards.Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards. (Image: PCC Office)

Now the public are invited to virtually attend the next Accountability & Performance Meeting during which Herts Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathon Ash-Edwards will discuss the gradings, conclusions and recommendations with the Chief Constable, Charlie Hall.

The meeting will be streamed live for anyone to join at 10.30am on Thursday, November 14, and it can be watched by using this link https://bit.ly/HertsAPM5.

The meetings were introduced by Mr Ash-Edwards shortly after he took office earlier this year. They allow him to scrutinise and hold the Chief Constable to account for the performance of Hertfordshire Constabulary in an open and transparent way.

Mr Ash-Edwards said: “There are a number of areas in the report which highlight where the police are doing well in Hertfordshire and others where improvements need to be made.

“I have welcomed the report as a new PCC, it provides me with a useful external view which I am using in my strategic and scrutiny roles, as well as considering the resources the constabulary will need in the years ahead, all with the goal of improving service to the public."

He continued: “Some sections of the report are a concern and I will be asking the Chief Constable how the constabulary is responding to these areas and the recommendations made.

“The meeting will be available to watch live with a recording available on the PCC website shortly after.”

Police and Crime Commissioners have a statutory duty under the Police Reform & Social Responsibility Act to hold the Chief Constable to account for the delivery of policing in their area.

A full copy of the PEEL report is available at hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/peel-reports/hertfordshire-2023-25.