Suffolk’s police force given fair ratings

SUFFOLK’S police force has been given mixed ratings in a survey by a national police watchdog.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) carried out a thorough review of every force in the country and the findings were released today.

The data will be published on a website so that members of the public can compare how their force rates against others in the UK.

Suffolk’s police force was given fair ratings for local crime and policing, protection from serious harm and for confidence and satisfaction.

However, the force was rated as good for solving crimes and surpessing gun and knife crime.

It was also named among the cheapest to run in the country.

Zo� Billingham, HMI for Suffolk said: “Suffolk has generally low crime rates and it is a relatively safe

place to live. Suffolk Constabulary’s performance is generally sound.

“The force can point to some strong areas of performance. Over the last year, vehicle crime in Suffolk

has fallen and is lower than in similar forces. Despite a slight increase in burglary, the level across the

county is still below average. The number of burglaries, vehicle crime and robberies solved has

increased over the last year.

“There are some areas for improvement. A recent HMIC visit showed that Suffolk Constabulary is

struggling to consistently identify repeat victims of anti-social behaviour when they contact the police

for help. This is important as early identification of problems can help prevent escalation. The force is

taking urgent steps to address this.”

“The cost of policing in Suffolk is one of the lowest in England and Wales.”

Data from the survey can be viewed at www.mypolice.org.uk.