SUFFOLK Constabulary is no longer one of the best performing police forces in the country according to government statistics released today.Last year the force finished near the top of Home Office tables when compared with similar forces in England and Wales.

SUFFOLK Constabulary is no longer one of the best performing police forces in the country according to government statistics released today.

Last year the force finished near the top of Home Office tables when compared with similar forces in England and Wales.

Although not acknowledged as one of the top forces in this year's assessment, the force received good or fair rankings in all of the assessed categories.

Suffolk's Chief Constable Alastair McWhirter said: “The latest baseline assessment acknowledges the Constabulary's success in making Suffolk one of the safest counties in the country.

“And, while the way in which our performance is assessed has changed from last year, it is reassuring to see that we are judged as either 'good' or 'fair' in all categories.

“I am particularly pleased that our progress in call handling - which was graded as 'poor' in the previous report - has been recognised with an improved assessment.

“The report also highlights our strong record in tackling crime and promoting safety to reduce fear of crime.”

The performance tables published today follow assessment in seven categories: reducing crime, investigating crime, promoting safety, providing assistance, citizen focus resource use and local policing.