A LEADING report has labelled West Mercia Police’s overall efficiency as ‘good’ in keeping people safe and reducing crime.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) – the ‘Ofsted’ of national and local policing – has published its latest report which praises the force on its measures of reducing crime throughout its Worcestershire and Shropshire regions.
The report is part of HMIC’s annual inspections into Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) across England and Wales.
It found that West Mercia Police is good in keeping residents safe and has a ‘comprehensive understanding’ of current and likely future demand and is making use of a range of demand tools.
The report also noted that West Mercia Police uses resources well to manage demand and is changing the composition of the workforce to meet the challenges of the future.
Chief Constable for West Mercia Police, Anthony Bangham, said: “I welcome the HMIC report and conclusion that West Mercia Police is a ‘good’ force, and did not identify any causes of concern.
“However, I and all West Mercia Police officers and staff are committed to continuing to improve how we protect people from harm.”
More than 30 of the 43 police forces in England and Wales were assessed as ‘good’, two as ‘outstanding’ and eight as ‘requires improvement’.
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Mike Cunningham, who led the inspection, said: “I am pleased to find that the majority of forces understand the demand they are facing and have effective plans in place to meet that demand.
“There needs to be more focus on the future, on understanding new and different types of demand and on the skills that police forces will need to best deal with the new challenges, especially in growing areas such as cyber-crime.”
