DEPUTY MAYOR RESPONDS TO SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE’S LATEST POLICE EFFICIENCY, EFFECTIVENESS AND LEGITIMACY (PEEL) INSPECTION

Published 24 July 2025 at 8:53am

South Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kilvinder Vigurs said: 

“I’m grateful to His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) for their thorough work in the latest PEEL inspection and shining a light on South Yorkshire Police’s performance. We remain committed to working closely with the Inspectorate and South Yorkshire Police to drive continuous improvement and ensure the safety of our communities.

“It’s encouraging to see the Force’s investment in neighbourhood policing, crime prevention, and evidence-based practice being recognised. The report also highlights progress in the ethical use of stop and search and stronger community engagement - clear signs of a police service striving to build and maintain public trust.

“However, it is clear there is more to do. Improvements are needed in how crimes are investigated, how victims are supported, and how we care for officer wellbeing. These are priorities the Chief Constable is already addressing, and I will be closely monitoring progress to ensure meaningful and measurable change. Although HMICFRS’s inspection methodology has changed which has affected the performance ratings of all forces, I am clear that we must always aim for the highest standards of policing - it’s what our communities expect and deserve.

“The report also acknowledges both the financial constraints resulting from budgetary challenges and the operational pressures of the past year, in particular, in the wake of last summer’s tragic events in Southport and the subsequent unrest in Manvers. Our officers responded with courage, resilience, and professionalism under extraordinary circumstances, and I commend them for their service.

“Public safety is not negotiable. The people of South Yorkshire must be assured that their police service is equipped to respond appropriately and investigate effectively to tackle crime. I will continue to scrutinise the Force’s performance rigorously and transparently, ensuring it meets the high standards that our communities expect and deserve.”

The full HMICFRS assessment report can be found here.