Cumbria Police set out improvements after inspection

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 06:00 · Archive

Cumbria Constabulary has been rated 'good' in several areas but 'adequate' in investigating crime, with inspectors calling for improvements.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services assessed Cumbria Constabulary in 2025 as part of its 2025–2027 PEEL inspection programme, with findings published on 20 August 2026. Inspectors rated the constabulary 'good' in several key areas including leadership and force management; responding to the public; safeguarding children and adults at risk; and attracting, developing and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.

The force was rated 'adequate' in investigating crime, using police powers, and preventing and deterring crime and anti-social behaviour. Inspectors highlighted the need for Cumbria to improve consistency in how it applies investigative outcomes, ensuring decisions are well-reasoned and that victims' views are routinely sought and recorded.

Deputy Chief Constable Johnny Blackwell presented the report to the force's Public Accountability Panel on Monday 18 October. He said: 'In Cumbria, we don't do the quick wins, we not going to do something just to get it in and sort it, we actually want to do the long term thing that will be sustainable.'

Blackwell emphasised that while leadership was rated 'good', leadership underpins all areas of the force's work. He noted that Cumbria Constabulary has made a significant investment in leadership training and up-skilling.

Inspectors said that improving how the force records investigative outcomes and seeks victims' views would help ensure decisions are appropriate and that victims remain fully informed and involved throughout investigations.

How it is being reported

• Police chiefs set out improvements following 'exceptional' inspection reportSenior figures of Cumbria Constabulary have set-out their work to address areas marked for improvement following the constabulary's latest inspection.Whitehaven News · 22 Oct, 05:00
• Police chiefs set out improvements following 'exceptional' inspection reportSenior figures of Cumbria Constabulary have set-out their work to address areas marked for improvement following the constabulary's latest inspection.NW Evening Mail · 22 Oct, 05:00
• Police chiefs set out improvements following 'exceptional' inspection reportSenior figures of Cumbria Constabulary have set-out their work to address areas marked for improvement following the constabulary's latest inspection.Westmorland Gazette · 22 Oct, 05:00
• Police chiefs set out improvements following 'exceptional' inspection reportSenior figures of Cumbria Constabulary have set-out their work to address areas marked for improvement following the constabulary's latest inspection.News & Star · 22 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Cumbria Constabulary · His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services · Johnny Blackwell · Cumbria

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