Police good at investigating crime

CHESHIRE Police is one of only 24 police forces in the country found to be “good” at investigating crime.
This emerges from a report from HM Inspector of Constabulary giving detail reviews of how well forces investigate crime, how they maintain integrity and prevent corruption, how they have responded to challenging budget reductions, and how effectively they are recording incidents and crimes.
In all areas where grades have been awarded, HMIC rated Cheshire’s work as “Good”
HMIC comments favourably on the genuine professional commitment among Cheshire officers and staff to provide a victim-centred approach to all aspects of policing.
He notes and praises the way in which the force has protected the front-line from budget cuts. In his view, the Constabulary manages change well and, through a pilot scheme in Ellesmere Port, has been looking at how neighbourhood policing teams can work more closely to better serve the community.
The force is found to work well with local partner agencies, making good use of resources to provide a joined-up response to problems and victim needs. In particular, HMIC noted that the force had developed an effective approach to identifying and responding to the threat of child sexual exploitation.
The report profiled work the Constabulary does to engage with the public to determine local policing priorities. It noted the development of a new crime prevention strategy. It also commented positively on the work undertaken to manage offenders and the work undertaken with other agencies to protect victims of domestic abuse. HMIC found the Constabulary had effective processes in place to disrupt organised crime groups.
The HMIC inspection teams saw first hand the way in which Cheshire police officers are using technology to tackle issues in communities and investigate crime. Investment in mobile technology is being made to ensure all front-line staff will be able to access information when out of the station. The Constabulary has increased resources within its high tech crime unit and embarked on a training programme to ensure that front-line officers have the skills and knowledge to tackle cyber-crime.
Deputy Chief Constable Janette McCormick (pictured) said: “The report is very positive about how effective the police service is in Cheshire – particularly in respect of reducing crime, preventing re-offending and supporting victims. HMIC rates our investigative work as Good and he is very supportive of our aim to develop the most cyber-literate investigative workforce in the country.”
Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer said: “I am delighted that the report recognises the good work being done by the Constabulary to place victims at the centre of policing to solve their problems and the work to protect the front line in times of austerity. HMIC has commented on the professionalism of officers and staff and found that they had a genuine commitment to delivering a high quality service to local communities. My drive to using new technology was also noted and I am very pleased that the outcome was good across the board.”