Police force in North East is top of the cops
DURHAM BEST IN COUNTRY FOLLOWING ANNUAL INSPECTION
DURHAM Constabulary has been rated the best police force in the country for the third year in a row.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service announced the findings in its annual inspection report that assesses forces across England and Wales.
Durham Constabulary was the only force to be graded ‘outstanding’, while Northumbria Police was rated ‘good’ - but six areas were identified as needing improvement.
Inspectors rated Durham as outstanding for preventing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour and also at dealing with serious and organised crime.
The force was found to be good at investigating crime and protecting vulnerable people.
HM Inspector of Constabulary Matt Parr said: “Overall, Durham Constabulary remains outstandingly effective at reducing crime and keeping people safe. It continues to provide high-quality services to its communities, as well as seeking to innovate and improve in many areas.”
Durham’s deputy chief constable Jo Farrell said: “We face the same problems as other forces: austerity, increased demand and having to police the internet.
“But every time the inspection teams have visited over the last 12 months, they have commented that ‘it feels different here’.”
In the report, inspectors highlighted “an impressive level of understanding” throughout the force to support vulnerable people.
Ron Hogg, Durham’s Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner, congratulated the force on “another outstanding outcome” following an inspection.
He added: “It’s well deserved and reflects the positive ethos that exists across the force.
“There are always challenges as crime has risen and funding contin- ues to be constrained. Local people should be confident that they have a police force that is committed to addressing these effectively.”
Meanwhile, Northumbria Police was graded as ‘good’ for investigating crime and reducing re-offending but was classed as ‘requires improvement’ for protecting vulnerable people.
Temporary deputy chief constable Darren Best said they are pleased inspectors recognised the good job they are doing to keep people safe and reduce crime.
He added: “However, we are obviously disappointed where areas have been identified for improvement.
“I can reassure the public that a great deal of progress has already been made to address these - but we are far from complacent and this work continues at pace.
“I want to make it absolutely clear, that protecting the vulnerable in our communities and ensuring they are fully supported at every stage are without a shadow of a doubt our top priorities.”
Officers and staff were praised for having a full understanding of vulnerability and knowing their responsibilities when dealing with vulnerable people.