West Mercia Police 'requires improvement' of how effective it is, according to a new report.
The PEEL report released this week is based on how effective the force is at keeping people safe and reducing crime.
It contrasts with last year’s assessment when the force was judged to be good.
In particular, it notes that the forces' understanding of communities is insufficiently developed, meaning responses to problems are not always based on feedback, while response officers do not currently contribute to the community policing model and neighbourhood officers are sometimes reassigned to other duties.
The report adds: "Collectively this is likely to undermine the force’s commitment to local people."
It also says the force's approach to serious and organised crime "is a cause of concern".
However, it concludes: "West Mercia Police has the necessary arrangements in place to ensure that it can fulfil its national policing responsibilities, and to respond to an attack requiring an armed response."
The report comes as Dyfed Powys Police and North Wales Police were rated 'good' following inspections.
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