Westminster police ‘lack intelligence culture and have worst detection rates’

The policing of Scotland Yard's flagship borough of Westminster is severely criticised today by a police watchdog.

Low detection rates, poor management and a "lack of an intelligence culture" are highlighted in a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.

The criticism comes as the new borough commander pledged to go out on patrol to help cut crime. Commander Simon Bray said : "I'll be spending some time out with the Safer Neighbourhood Teams, popping into stations unannounced and going on raids."

He outlined details of a major re-structuring of the borough's policing saying: "Best practice and common standards are being adopted across Westminster and our performance is already improving." The size and importance of Westminster means it is run by a more senior officer than in any other borough and has 2,500 police and staff — more than many regional police forces.

But the HMIC report, carried out in January, said the borough's detection rates were the lowest in their field. Inspectors said changes to the force's management structure had been badly planned and had diverted attention away from crime-fighting. It also found inconsistencies in how police units were run.

The report states: "These challenges need to be addressed through strong leadership and clarity of purpose from the commander with the full and unified support of the senior management team. Such support was not always evident during the inspection with instances of disparate approaches being adopted by superintendents. This disunity has served to further frustrate the progress of change and has lead to confusion among some staff."

On morale, the HMIC found the lower ranks might get recognition for good work but rarely from senior officers, and there was a lack of confidence in the ability of the senior ranks to solve problems.

Evening Standard revealed this year claims of an "apartheid" culture among police community support officers in Belgravia. The report notes that Westminster had problems with allegations of bullying and racist behaviour directed at some PCSOs.

It says: "There is evidence that the treatment of security PCSOs could be more professional and supportive. Indeed, staff engaged on security duties often described themselves as demotivated and under-valued."

The watchdog urged management to address "behavioural standards within the ranks".

Westminster was also told to deal with shoplifters more professionally as its approach was inconsistent. Further criticism was aimed at the force's use of criminal intelligence, with only seven entries made on to the system per staff member per year, a record described as "indicative of the lack of an intelligence culture".

Daniel Astaire, cabinet member for community protection at Westminster council, said: "We have had a strong partnership with Westminster borough police for a number of years which has resulted in a 27 per cent drop in crime since 2004/05.

"We are concerned by this report's findings but we are confident the new management team now in place will take significant steps to address the recent inadequacies revealed by the report."