SUFFOLK Constabulary has today been hailed one of the best in the country following a nationwide inspection of policing.The assessment by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) placed Suffolk in the top quarter of forces based on its performance last year.

SUFFOLK Constabulary has today been hailed one of the best in the country following a nationwide inspection of policing.

The assessment by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) placed Suffolk in the top quarter of forces based on its performance last year.

Of the 16 areas examined Suffolk received either good or excellent grading in 14, earning praise from HMIC for "its resolute action and commitment."

Areas where the force shone were the volume of crime, reassurance, strategic management, professional standards and criminal justice.

Alistair McWhirter, Suffolk's Chief Constable, said: "This extremely positive report underlines the commitment of both the officers and staff of Suffolk Constabulary to keeping their county safe and reflects the strong partnership that exists between the police and local people.

"It comes as initial analysis of figures for the last year show that Suffolk has maintained its position of being the safest county in England.

"Our Suffolk First initiative aims to make sure people not only are safe by preventing and solving more crime but also that they feel safe too and I am particularly pleased we have been judged as excellent in the two key areas of volume crime and reassurance."

The report did highlight some weaknesses, however, with tackling serious and organised crime ruled fair and call handling poor.

With the implementation of Call First, launched by the Constabulary to improve call handling, the force hopes this will improve.

Chief Constable McWhirter added: "We cannot afford to be complacent. The report is extremely useful as it highlights areas where we can make improvements and we are acting on these to ensure we do not only maintain but enhance the level of service we offer to local people.

"A major project to improve the way we deal with the ever-increasing number of calls from the public is already underway and, during the course of the summer, we will be targeting drink related violent crime in our town centres as a matter of priority."

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