Revealed: half of English police forces fail to meet standards in crime investigations

Analysis by the Observer raises questions over whether policing is fit for purpose and will put more pressure on the home secretary

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Half the English police forces inspected since last year are failing to meet required standards at investigating crime, according to analysis by the Observer that raises questions over whether policing is fit for purpose.

The findings will pile renewed pressure on the home secretary, Suella Braverman, who has told police leaders she expects" them to cut crimes including murder by 20%, without detailing how, as part of her back to basics approach".