Police ranked ‘outstanding’ over major crime
GREATER Manchester Police is ‘outstanding’ at tackling major crime but needs to improve how it investigates less serious offences and protects vulnerable people, according to a watchdog.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary has published reports on the effectiveness of forces across England and Wales.
And the watchdog concluded that overall GMP was ‘good’ at keeping people safe and reducing crime and that it was ‘outstanding’ in tackling serious and organised crime.
But improvement was required in how it investigates less serious crime, reduces reoffending and protects the vulnerable.
HM Inspector of Constabulary Mike Cunningham said: “I am pleased to report that Greater Manchester Police is good at effectively keeping people safe and reducing crime.
“Since our last inspection there have been a number of changes in way in which it effectively keeps people safe and reduces crime.
“The force is performing well at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour and is committed to making a difference for local communities.
“This is in part due to increased capacity of neighbourhood policing, allowing officers and staff to be the link between the community and the police.
“The force still needs to make improvements to how it investigates crime and reduces reoffending.
“We found that there are inconsistent approaches to investigation and while serious crime is investigated to a high standard, this is not always the case for other crime types.
“The force works well to tackle repeat and dangerous offenders and has made efforts to reduce reoffending.
“The force requires improvement in the way in which it protects vulnerable victims.
“The force identifies victims who may be vulnerable at an early stage, and investigates crimes against vulnerable people to an acceptable standard.
“However, some vulnerable people are waiting too long for police attendance at incidents.
“The force needs to address this, as these delays could be putting victims at further risk.” Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling said the rating was ‘pleasing’ and he emphasised changes were underway ‘to provide the best possible service to local people’. He accepted it was ‘not unacceptable’ that some vulnerable people had to wait too long for police assistance, as the report highlighted. He said a review of this was underway. He continued: “There is still work to do to ensure our ambitious plans for policing bring the continued good service within the financial constraints. “We are already improving standards of investigation and how cases are supervised through training. “We are proud of our contribution to keeping Greater Manchester safe but it would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of officers and staff, and the continued support of local people.”