His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) independently assesses and reports on the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces, policing and fire and rescue services.
HMICFRS aims to provide authoritative information to allow the public to compare the performance of their force against others, and to drive improvements in the service to the public.
HMICFRS is independent of Government and the police.
Search HMICFRS's website for all reports on Merseyside Police.
Police Effectiveness Efficiency Legitimacy (PEEL) Assessment
In 2014, HMICFRS introduced their police efficiency, effectiveness, and legitimacy (PEEL) inspections to give you information about how your local police force is performing
As of 2021/22, this is done by way of a 'continuous improvement model' meaning they continuously inspect forces to provide a more rounded view.
Looking at all inspection activity including data and thematic inspections will make better use of the information that HMICFRS has on the force and will ensure a greater focus on outcomes and what matters to the public.
The inspection framework will also include a victim services assessment and crime data integrity inspections.
HMICFRS can make one of five judgements regarding force performance: outstanding; good; adequate; requires improvement; or inadequate.
Using this framework will ensure that HMICFRS will be able to identify risk sooner and therefore help a force to implement improvements quickly.
HMICFRS released their most recent inspection of Merseyside Police in October 2023. Inspectors made the following assessment:
You can also see how Merseyside Police compares to other police forces across the country on the HMICFRS website.
HMICFRS Inspection Responses
All Police and Crime Commissioners are required to respond to HMICFRS reports that are published in relation to their force.
Please find all the PCC's responses here: