Cheshire Constabulary’s good practice highlighted in national report

Cheshire Constabulary has been highlighted for its good practice in a national report looking at how forces across the UK investigate crime.

In a new report published today (Thursday March 27), ‘Crime investigations: An inspection into how effectively the police investigate crime’, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found police investigations are hampered by ineffective ways of recording, assessing, allocating and investigating crime.

Cheshire, however, was referenced throughout the report for its innovative practices which are helping meet these challenges to catch criminals and provide a better service to victims.

This includes the work of the Constabulary’s Cheshire CARES team to provide victim support, improved communication with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to resolve issues, extra training to identify vulnerable victims and opportunities for student officers to become detectives at an earlier stage.

Last month Cheshire Constabulary was praised for its excellent performance in keeping people safe, reducing crime and giving victims an effective service in its latest PEEL (Police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy) Inspection Report by HMICFRS.

The results assessed the force as ‘outstanding’ in two areas, ‘good’ in four areas, and ‘adequate’ in two.

Cheshire improved or maintained performance across all areas of policing since its last inspection, and was graded as outstanding in protecting vulnerable people and managing offenders and suspects.

Inspectors also noted the positive changes which have been made in the Force Contact Centre to improve the performance in answering 999 and 101 calls, and the commitment to neighbourhood policing - using innovation and technology to effectively deal with criminality and anti-Social behaviour.

Following the publication of the new Crime Investigations Report, Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: 

“Whilst this report outlines some of the challenges facing policing nationally, it is pleasing to see Cheshire referenced throughout for having good practice in a number of areas.

“We saw in our latest inspection the huge improvements we have made across the force, and we are continuing to work through our recommendations from HMICFRS in order to build on our strengths and be outstanding in every aspect of the service we provide

“Investigating crime, catching criminals and supporting victims are absolute priorities for us, and our officers and staff will continue the hard work to keep Cheshire even safer.”