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Lincolnshire's serious and violent crime unit labelled 'inadequate'




A policing unit set up to target serious and violent offences - such as murders - across our region has been taken over after being labelled ‘inadequate’ by a watchdog.

The East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) was formed in 2001 and features a collaboration of specially-trained staff from Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

However, an inspection last year by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found the unit is “inadequate at tackling serious and organised offences” due to “distinct differences” in how the five forces tackle crime.

Our area's 'murder squad' has been labelled 'inadequate'
Our area's 'murder squad' has been labelled 'inadequate'

It found variations in force performance and officers seconded to the unit only following their respective force’s policies and procedures.

This meant supervisors were using different approaches and were not adequately collaborating on major investigations.

The unit was also found to be “overly focused” on traditional serious organised crime threats, mostly tackling drug and gun offences.

Officers and staff told the watchdog this related to a lack of experience, skills and intelligence sources.

The Inspectorate has called for training in less traditional offences – such as modern slavery, child sexual exploitation and human trafficking – to be expanded.

Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry has now taken over regional oversight of the unit as a result of the damning inspection.



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