Sussex Police has made significant improvements in processing criminal record checks, also known as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. The average time taken to process applications has decreased from 92 days in the autumn to 34 days, and the backlog has fallen from 13,000 to 9,600. Chief Constable Jo Shiner expressed confidence that things are moving in the right direction, citing the recruitment of new staff and adjustments to training as contributing factors.
Despite the improvements, there is still a significant number of applications outstanding for more than 60 days, with 5,780 cases awaiting processing. However, the number of applications outstanding for more than 100 days has decreased from 3,700 to 3,500.
The government’s Disclosure and Barring Service has provided additional support to Sussex Police, and the force is set to introduce new software for processing DBS checks in April. The software is expected to further streamline the process and improve efficiency.
Chief Constable Shiner emphasized the importance of balancing the need to process DBS checks quickly with the need to ensure that they are done properly to safeguard the public. She acknowledged that delays can have a significant impact on individuals, preventing them from starting jobs and earning a living.
Sussex Police has also seconded additional staff from other departments to help with the processing of DBS checks, and is planning to recruit more staff through two programs this year and another in the spring. The force is confident that it can sustain and build upon the improvements made so far.