IN MARCH, Gloucestershire Constabulary was one of 13 forces visited by HMIC as part of the crime data integrity inspection, which aimed to identify to what extent police-recorded crime information can be trusted.

The force issued the following statement this morning in response to the findings by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.

"We have received an interim report and we now look forward to receiving our individual force report in June.

"Gloucestershire Constabulary deals with more than 140,000 incidents a year and each month a crime recording expert reviews 400 of them to ensure compliance.

During its inspection, HMIC reviewed just over 100 incidents covering a 12 month period.

ACC Richard Berry, said: "We have always been confident in the integrity of our crime recording processes and that of our staff.

"Today's interim report reflects some elements we are aware of and plans are already under way to address them. We are currently re-designing our wider operating model and will use learning from this inspection report to inform that design.

"It is encouraging to see that we are above the average of the thirteen forces inspected so far and we look forward to receiving the full report in due course."

Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martin surl has also responded to the report.

He said: "I maintain my confidence in the integrity of the data and I don’t recognise most of the criticism referred to in HMIC’s commentary.

"Of course these figures only tell part of the wider picture of what’s important to the public when it comes to policing.

“I am disappointed that the language chosen by HMIC is unnecessarily alarmist and doesn’t help to instil public confidence in the police.

“Despite some of the negative headlines about policing nationally, the people of Gloucestershire continue to tell me that they value their Constabulary and are grateful for the service it provides.”