The police, criticized for investigating Nicola Bulley, were attacked by guard dogs three months before her disappearance.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary found: “Lancashire Constabulary requires improvement in investigating crime.”
They added the power was not “always conducting thorough and timely investigations” and that “victims are not always kept informed of progress”.
Lancashire Police are now facing three external inquiries into the Search for 23 days for mother of two Nicola, 45, in St Michael’s on Wyre.
The Independent Bureau of Police Conduct is research a wellness visit made to the family home by an officer two weeks earlier.
A training and policy body, the Police College, will examine both the hunt and the decision to release information about a alcohol issue triggered by the menopause.
Nikla was found on Sunday a mile downstream from where she is believed to have fallen.
The annual HMIC inspection, which found “a lack of effective oversight,” highlighted strength in eight areas — and was not rated “outstanding” in any area.
Lancashire police said at the time: “We are rated ‘good’ in six areas, and where areas for improvement have been identified, work is already underway to address them.”