THE official watchdog that rated Surrey Police “inadequate” in the way it protects the vulnerable, has just graded it “good” for operating fairly, ethically and within the law.

In its latest report on the legitimacy and ethics of Surrey Police, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) graded the force as “good” overall, with good ratings in the three areas covered: ethics, public engagement and the use of the stop and search policy.

Hampshire Constabulary and Sussex Police were among the 37 forces in England and Wales that got a “good overall” grading, with Kent judged “outstanding”. Another five rated “requires improvement” and none “inadequate”.

HMIC was disappointed to find far too many forces were not complying with the Home Office and College of Police’s best use of Stop and Search scheme, despite all chief constables having signed up to the scheme.

It reported 13 of the 43 police forces inspected were not complying with three or more of the five requirements of the scheme, and they will be re-inspected within six months to make sure they have improved.

Surrey used stop and search 11,081 times in the 12 months up until March 2015, a similar ratio to similar forces.

The 2013 inspection of Surrey Police’s use of stop and search showed 16 of 200 records studied did not have sufficient reasonable grounds recorded.

In the 2015 report, 100 records were studied and 11 did not have reasonable grounds, leading inspectors to conclude “some officers still do not understand fully what constitutes reasonable grounds”.

Surrey used Taser stun guns 133 times in 12 months from March 2013- 14. HMIC concluded it used the weapon “fairly and appropriately” but should publish more information about its use of stop and search and Tasers to improve transparency.

Employees from black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups make up four per cent of Surrey’s workforce, although 11 per cent of the county’s population is from those groups according to the 2011 Census.

Inspectors noted it was “statistically significant under-representation”.

Across England and Wales, HMIC reported a concern about possible bias in the way BAME officers and staff were treated in disciplinary matters.

It recommended chief constables conduct a review to assess whether bias exists and, if so, take action, and also that the College of Policing and National Police Chiefs’ Council should establish national standards to detect bias so forces can take the appropriate action.

Surrey Police did better than similar forces in dealing with allegations of wrongdoing.

A total of 1,812 allegations made by public, equivalent to 61 per cent, were finalised by Surrey within the 12 months to March 2015, compared to 47 per cent by similar forces.

Of the allegations made, 18 per cent were upheld, compared to 16 per cent in other similar forces.

Welcoming the report, Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Kevin Hurley (below) said:“This is a well-deserved report which reflects the hard work done by Surrey Police to meet the needs of the local communities while taking good care of its own staff.

“Two policing priorities among the six identified by Surrey residents are being able to have their say on policing and to see a police force with high standards.

“This report reflects positively on those aims. Surrey Police still faces challenges in managing the rise in crimes against vulnerable people, including domestic abuse, rape and child sexual exploitation, but being recognised as an ethical and legitimate police force provides the foundation for continuing to make the improvements needed.”