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Police doing an 'excellent' job
NORTHUMBRIA Police has scored top marks in tackling crime, but needs to work harder at getting people involved in the fight against it.
The findings, contained in a report out today, rates the force's overall performance as "excellent", but HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has raised concerns over relatively low attendance levels at community meetings and the second worst sex-crime rate in the country.
The report says police have cut crime to a "risk rate" of 0.93 per 1,000 people – the second best in the country – and confidence in the force is "good to excellent."
Welcoming the report, Chief Constable Mike Craik said: "These results show we are one of the best forces in the country.
"We have seen consistent cuts in crime year on year, combined with improvements in detection rates and public confidence.
"Our emphasis on providing high standards of service, responsive to the needs of our communities, is a winning formula."
Northumbria and Durham forces are highly praised in the study, which looked at areas such as solving crime, cutting road deaths, meeting standards and value for money.
Roger Baker, HM Inspector for the two forces, said: "Northumbria remains one of the highest performing forces in the country.
"However, community meetings have a relatively low attendance.
"The force needs to look at different ways of engaging the public, especially minority groups."
The survey also found the force is facing the second-highest rate of sex crimes in the country.
A spokesman for the force said: "We are always working to encourage victims to report attacks.
"This increased level of support and confidence to come forward is reflected in the number of crimes being reported."
Mr Craik added: "We are never complacent and are looking to drive our service forward."
The Police Report Card is a national initiative to provide the public with an assessment of how police are performing.
The force was also recognised for its work in ensuring the Northumbria area does not experience the same problems with gun and knife crime as other parts of the country, with two "excellent" ratings in these areas.
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Monday 21 May 2012
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