North Yorkshire Police Receives Six 'Good' Grades In Latest Independent Inspection

North Yorkshire Police has been praised for its leadership, safeguarding, and crime prevention in a new national report, though inspectors noted improvements are needed in its custody environments.

North Yorkshire Police has been awarded a "good" grading in six key areas following an independent assessment by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.

The 2025-2027 PEEL report, which evaluates the effectiveness, efficiency, and legitimacy of police forces nationally, highlighted the force's progress in leadership, safeguarding, and preventing crime.

Inspectors rated the force as "good" in leadership and force management, workforce development, using powers fairly, preventing crime and antisocial behaviour, safeguarding vulnerable people, and managing fraud.

The force received an "adequate" rating for responding to the public and investigating crime, while providing a safe and lawful custody environment was graded as "requires improvement".

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and of Fire & Rescue Service, Michelle Skeer, praised the force's progress.

She said:

"I am pleased with the performance of North Yorkshire Police in keeping people safe, reducing crime and giving victims an effective service. The force has made improvements since our last inspection, particularly in its leadership and support for the workforce."

The report noted that North Yorkshire Police has demonstrated a strong focus on prevention, contributing to a 9.5 per cent reduction in crime over the last two years. The force is now recording the lowest overall crime rate per head of population across England and Wales.

Response times have also seen improvements, with the average 999 call answered in four seconds, down from seven seconds. Non-emergency 101 call wait times have decreased from four minutes and 41 seconds to three minutes.

Deputy Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, Scott Bisset, welcomed the findings.

He said:

"We welcome all the findings of HMICFRS in its PEEL Report into North Yorkshire Police. Achieving six very solid good gradings demonstrates the excellent progress we are making in our ambition to be an outstanding force, which provides the best service to victims and communities across the City of York and North Yorkshire. This is a true reflection of the hard work and commitment to public service of all those working at North Yorkshire Police.

"The report represents independent findings which show that North Yorkshire Police has continued to improve over the last three years. We have demonstrated a focus on prevention, with a 9.5 per cent reduction in crime over the last two years. We are arresting more criminals more quickly, are third in the country for charging suspects and detect more crime than two years ago. This work is contributing to the lowest overall crime rate per head of population across England and Wales and North Yorkshire Police also has one of the highest public confidence ratings.

"Our average answer time for 999 calls has reduced from seven seconds to four seconds in the last two years. The average wait time for a member of the public who calls us with a non-emergency call has decreased from four minutes and 41 seconds to three minutes in the last two years – but we still have a firm focus on improving our response to 101 calls.

"As much as we recognise the progress, we still have work to do. North Yorkshire Police is not complacent. Specific areas for improvement have been identified in the report and we will continue to work hard, including with our partners, to address the important areas identified. As the report states, we have already taken robust steps to address any recommended areas for improvement and the focus continues."

Inspectors highlighted several areas of innovative practice, including the force's awareness when a child cared for by a local authority outside of North Yorkshire moves into the area. The force was also commended for working successfully with schools and youth offending services to deter young people from knife crime.

In managing fraud, the force was recognised for having a dedicated investigation model and implementing fraud ambassadors to support officers. Furthermore, the report highlighted the force's commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, noting the introduction of a new leadership academy and cultural awareness training for staff.

Despite the positive gradings, the inspectorate identified areas requiring attention. The force's custody environment was rated as requiring improvement, prompting the implementation of a comprehensive 18-point action plan. This plan aims to address concerns regarding the rights and entitlements of child detainees and to improve risk assessments throughout detention and upon release.

The report also recommended that the force reduce the number of abandoned non-emergency calls and improve supervisory oversight of investigations to ensure all investigative opportunities are taken.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has welcomed the findings of the latest HMICFRS inspection of North Yorkshire Police, which recognises the progress the force continues to make.

The Mayor said:

“These inspection results reflect the hard work, professionalism and commitment of officers, and staff across North Yorkshire Police. Over recent years the force has taken real steps to improve how it keeps people safe in our region.

“The progress made is welcome but we must be clear - good is the minimum the public expect. The inspection is also clear that there is still work to do. The public have a right to feel safe wherever they live or work in our region and my expectation is that North Yorkshire Police must continue this progress towards becoming an outstanding police force.”

Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, who has delegated responsibility for police and fire, said:

“Previous HMICFRS inspections identified clear areas for improvement, and it is encouraging to see how much progress North Yorkshire Police have made. Working alongside Mayor David Skaith I will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account to monitor progress against the inspection recommendations, especially around custody and responding to the public to ensure the positive momentum of recent years is maintained. It's also vital that we optimise the opportunities from devolution and the combined authority to support North Yorkshire Police on its journey to move from being a good to an outstanding police force.

 “This inspection also reinforces the need for national policing reforms to be focused on delivery, strong local accountability and building public confidence.  In York and North Yorkshire we will always want changes and reforms to be focused on what can best improve public safety and, as we've said previously, the Mayor and I are concerned any Yorkshire wide police mergers would put this at risk."