Independent inspection into police processes and training following Henry Nowak murder now confirmed

The independent inspection requested by Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones into Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s effectiveness in responding to incidents of serious violence has now formally begun.

The Commissioner requested the inspection under section 54(2BA) of the Police Act 1996 following issues raised regarding the police response to the murder of Henry Nowak.

The inspection, being carried out by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service will consider the end-to-end process through the control room, including call handling, dispatch and initial attendance at incidents of serious violence.

It will also assess decision-making and risk assessment training, specifically how the organisation supports officers and staff to make sound, impartial judgments free from bias, and where immediate action including first aid is required.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “The public must have confidence that police officers receive the right information, the right training and the right support to make critical decisions.

“This inspection will provide an independent assessment of the force’s training, processes and culture including the handling of allegations of racially aggravated assault.

“Henry’s family deserve answers, and the public deserve reassurance that their police service is equipped to recognise victims and provide the highest standard of care when it matters most.”

The inspection will not examine the conduct or actions of officers on 3 December 2025, this is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Great care has been taken in designing the scope of the review to ensure it does not interfere with other judicial or conduct processes.

For further information, the Terms of Reference for the inspection can be found on the HMICFRS website: Terms of reference: inspection of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s response to serious violence  – His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services