Cheshire Constabulary graded as ‘outstanding’ at protecting vulnerable people and managing offenders and suspects

Cheshire Constabulary has been congratulated on its excellent performance in keeping people safe, reducing crime, and giving victims an effective service.

This comes following the publication of the PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) Inspection Report by HMICFRS (His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services).

The police inspectorate evaluated Cheshire Constabulary across nine different areas of policing in 2024.

The results published today, Thursday 6 February 2025, assess the force as ‘outstanding’ in two areas, ‘good’ in four areas, and ‘adequate’ in two.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts has welcomed the publication of the positive report, affirming Cheshire Constabulary’s position as a leading police force committed to protecting the communities it serves.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts said:

“I welcome the outcomes of the report and must firstly commend our officers and staff, whose efforts have secured these outstanding results and highlight their dedication to ensuring Cheshire remains a hostile place for criminals.

“I am particularly proud that we have been graded ‘outstanding’ for the work we do to protect vulnerable people and how we manage offenders and suspects.

“The recent PEEL Inspection by HMICFRS is a testament to the fact that we are one of the best performing forces in the country - we are not complacent, and we will always strive to improve.

“We are now protecting more vulnerable people, prosecuting more sex offenders, arresting more criminals and getting help to people who need us more quickly and more effectively.

“We have achieved a great deal across the force during the past three years and I am glad the report recognises the continued improvements and investments that have been made across the board to make it even safer for those who live, work and visit Cheshire.”

Within the report, HMICFRS congratulated Cheshire Constabulary on its excellent performance in keeping people safe, reducing crime, and giving victims an effective service.

The inspectors stated that the force has improved or maintained performance across all areas of policing since its last inspection and has been graded ‘outstanding’ in the way it protects vulnerable people and manages offenders and suspects.

They also commended the force’s strong leadership team and effective governance processes.

Inspectors gave special praise for the way officers and staff manage sex offenders, handle online child abuse investigations and safeguard those who are vulnerable. This was on top of the force’s commitment to neighbourhood policing and using innovation and technology to effectively deal with criminality and anti-social behaviour.

His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer said:

“I congratulate Cheshire Constabulary on its excellent performance in keeping people safe, reducing crime and giving victims an effective service.

“The constabulary has improved or maintained its performance across all areas since our previous PEEL inspection, with four areas receiving higher graded judgments.

“This success is thanks to strong leadership, as well as the hard work of all its police officers, staff and volunteers.

“I was particularly pleased to see improvements in safeguarding vulnerable people and managing offenders. The constabulary has invested in resources and training in these areas.

“It has also developed robust and effective governance structures to oversee crime investigations. But it should continue to closely monitor workloads and the quality of investigations.

“I am confident that Cheshire Constabulary will continue to make improvements based on the findings of this inspection and its internal scrutiny processes. I will continue to monitor its progress and I look forward to seeing the improvements it makes as a result.”

Chief Constable Roberts added:

“While it is clear that Cheshire Constabulary has made significant progress and improvements over the last few years, we recognise the Inspector’s recommendations and are committed to putting them into practice.

“We have already introduced positive changes which have enhanced our performance in answering 999 and 101 calls, plus implemented new standards to improve the way we respond to Grade 3 non-emergency incidents.

“Our ambition is to build on our strengths and be outstanding in every aspect of the service we provide to the public of Cheshire.”