Staffordshire Police has been classed as level two under a new national rating system – due to its 'ongoing performance issues'.

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has assigned all 43 police forces in England and Wales to one of four performance levels for the first time.

The levels range from level one – the default position when no intervention is needed – to level four, which means the force is in special measures.

HMICFRS says the new system will allow forces to access support earlier, and improve public confidence in the police.

Under the old system, Staffordshire Police was in 'Engage' – the equivalent of level four – between 2022 and 2024, due to concerns over its investigations and how it identified vulnerable people.

The force is now among 13 that have been assigned to level two – 29 are in the highest level one category.

Only one force, Lincolnshire Police, has been assigned to Level Three, while none are currently in Level Four.

Forces in level two are able to access 'enhanced support' to prevent any deterioration in performance.

Being assigned to this level can mean that a force has some low-level, non-systemic issues, issues that are getting better but require oversight, or multiple minor issues.

Staffordshire Police was rated inadequate in the way it responds to the public in its recent inspection report, with three other areas requiring improvement.

In its publication on the new levels, HMICFRS says this 'cause of concern' was a factor in the decision to assign Staffordshire Police to level two.

The report states: "The force has a number of enduring areas for improvement, particularly in relation to responding to the public, attendance at incidents and improving the quality of investigations. These areas for improvement led to the force entering Engage under our previous monitoring arrangements in 2022.

"Despite the recent cause of concern, the force is making tangible progress."

The new performance level system, which was announced in the government's Police Reform White Paper, will make forces more accountable to the Home Secretary. Where there are performance concerns, the Home Secretary will be able to send in experts to support improvement.

Chief Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer said: "This strengthened system-wide approach will support all police forces in England and Wales. By using a range of data, evidence and insight to identify concerns earlier, the Policing Performance System will provide the correct level of support at the right time. This will assist forces in addressing any performance issues before they get worse and help make our communities safer."

Staffordshire Police has been approached for comment.