Gwent Police has improved the integrity of its crime data, ensuring crime is recorded accurately, according to a report.
The report, by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of the Constabulary, welcomed a new crime reporting system but said greater effort is needed to decrease the backlog of incidents that have not been wrapped up.
The report stated: “Immediately, the force should take steps to review its backlog of crime records that are awaiting validation.
“It should take the appropriate action to deal with the backlog and secure timely validation of records in the future.”
It also criticised communication between staff in terms of data and changes to procedure.
However, the inspection found that chief officers in Gwent Police demonstrated strong leadership on ethical crime recording and that there is a culture among officers and staff to record crime data accurately.
The Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) welcomed the report, while accepting the criticisms.
PCC Ian Johnston said: “A significant amount of work has been undertaken by the force in respect of ethical crime recording which has been positively recognised in this inspection.
“I am reassured by this report and I believe the public can have full confidence in the strong direction the force is taking where crime recording is concerned.
“Other police forces have followed Gwent’s lead in carrying out in-house inspections of their crime recording practices.
“It is interesting to note that 29 out of 43 police forces in England and Wales are now showing an increase in recorded crime.
“I have always maintained that I am more concerned about the quality of service the public receive than numerical targets.
“The force has been working hard to ensure crimes are recorded in accordance with the guidelines but there are areas we can still improve upon.
“These reports are useful in highlighting those areas and you can rest assured that I will be working closely with the chief constable to address them.”
Caerphilly MP Wayne David said: “I’m very pleased with the report. It shows that Gwent Police, under the firm leadership of the chief constable records crime in a fine and proper manor.”