Northumbria Police have been praised for their approach in preventing crime – and significant improvements have also been recognised in answering 999 calls.
An inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) further highlights how the Force works with partners to combat anti-social behaviour.
The PEEL (police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy) report published today (Wednesday) also recognises the success of Operation Capio – a dedicated initiative to tackle motorcycle-related crime.
The report hails a scheme aimed at preventing children becoming involved in knife crime – known as a Trainee Detective Programme – as innovative practice.
The ground-breaking project focuses on the tragic death of 18-year-old Connor Brown, who was killed in Sunderland, and educates young people about the dangers of knife crime. During the course virtual reality technology is used to transport the participants to the crime scene.
The report recognises continued improvements in answering 999 calls. Since the inspection even greater improvements have been made and the Force is now exceeding the HMICFRS target for answering emergency calls.
The inspection, which concluded in December, has also highlighted the positive impact of new ways of working which have been implemented over the past 12 months.
Most notably, this includes increasing the number of area commands – from three to six. This recognises that communities have their own identities and issues which matter most to them. Moving to this structure allows the Force to best respond to these needs.
The new model will also help ensure it can better meet both current and future demands.
Amongst positive findings, the report does raise areas for improvement and the Force have already made progress in addressing these and this work will continue.
This includes replacing ageing IT infrastructure – with significant investment being made on a new Force-wide system which will help improve the service provided to the public and drive efficiencies.
The report also recognises inconsistencies in some areas – but the Force has reiterated its commitment to providing the highest levels of service to all, especially victims.
Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: “I am delighted the inspectors have highlighted innovative practice, including around how we prevent and deter crime.
“If we can help prevent someone from becoming a victim – or stop someone becoming involved in crime that is a positive outcome for all.
“Significant improvements have also been recognised in our 999 call answering – and this is vital so we can continue to be there for those who need us most.
“I am pleased the report further recognises the efforts we are making, alongside our partners, to tackle anti-social behaviour including our response to motorcycle-related crime.
“Our new ways of working, including moving to six area commands also means we are better meeting the needs of our communities – and tackling the issues which matter most to you.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our officers, staff and volunteers for their efforts and commitment, and to our communities for their continued support.
“We are absolutely determined to deliver an outstanding service to all.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, I want us to be doing all we can to deliver safer streets and stronger communities for everyone and there are many strengths highlighted in this report that show Northumbria Police is already doing great work to help achieve this.
“The Trainee Detectives Programme, which I help fund through the Violence Reduction Unit, is a great example of how we are working together to educate and prevent crime to help create resilient communities for the future.
“I have made being an engaged and responsive police force a priority in my Police and Crime Plan to keep this as a real focus going forward.
“My office will continue to play a key role in monitoring delivery and performance through my new scrutiny programme to ensure the policing response is both efficient and effective and I am confident under the Chief Constable’s leadership further improvements will follow.”
