Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall praises Cumbria Constabulary on receiving a good rating in all aspects for police effectiveness from HMICFRS
The national PEEL report, part of HMICFRS’s Effectiveness programme, brings together and grades common themes across all 43 police forces in England and Wales. As part of this annual inspection, inspectors assessed the Constabulary’s performance, efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy, as results have found Cumbria to be rated as good across the board.
Commenting on the results of the inspection, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall said: “I am delighted with the HMICFRS assessment of Cumbria Constabulary who have been judged to be ‘good’ in all key areas. This is a great achievement, and I would like to publicly thank all officers, staff and volunteers for their efforts. This report is a reflection of the outstanding work our officers and staff do every day to keep Cumbria one of the safest places to live and work in the country.
“I welcome that the report confirms that 45% of police officers are undertaking frontline duties in our communities compared to the 39% for England and Wales. That is 6% more officers in Cumbria on our streets dealing with local issues, than the average across the country.
“The report identified the positive aspects that our officers wearing body-worn video equipment has made a significant difference to the way that crime is investigated, victims are supported and vulnerable people are protected and reassured. This supports the need to ensure we provide the funding for this hugely beneficial piece of equipment that is making a real difference to victims and officers.
“I believe that the Report is a true reflection of the hard work that has gone into not only maintaining the high standards but also progress that has been made in a number of areas. “These reports are important as they enable me to be assured on behalf of the people of Cumbria that our Police Force is performing well as judged by the independent National Inspectorate. “Going forward, I will continue to both support and hold the Constabulary to account in all areas of their performance at my regular Public Accountability Conferences, there is always more to do. Meanwhile I acknowledge the hard work, professionalism and commitment demonstrated by staff across all areas of the organisation, they all do a fantastic job on our behalf.”
Chief Constable Michelle Skeer, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “I welcome the excellent findings from the latest HMICFRS report into police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy. I am incredibly pleased that the force has been graded as ’Good’ across all areas.
“In recent years the Constabulary has strived to continuously improve in a number of areas to provide a policing service that our communities deserve. This latest inspection is testament to all the hard work that is undertaken by our staff each day to keep people safe and investigate and prevent crime.
“We pride ourselves on being an organisation who cares about our community and endeavours to understand its diverse needs. All our officers, staff and volunteers work hard to provide a quality service to the public, I would like to take this opportunity to give them a big thank you – they are an absolute credit to the force.
“As positive as this report is we are far from complacent. We will continue to be ambitious, to learn, and develop the ways in which we work to further improve our service to the public and continue to keep Cumbria safe.”
