Merseyside Police was given a ‘good’ rating in the latest nationwide Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary report examining police effectiveness.
The force has maintained its status from last year, despite £91m being reduced from the budget since 2010.
Police around the country were rated on four different criteria of effectiveness: preventing crime and anti-social behaviour; investigating crime and managing offenders; protecting vulnerable people and supporting victims; and tackling serious and organised crime.
The report states: “Merseyside Police is good at keeping people safe and reducing crime. The force has an effective approach to preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, investigating crime and reducing re-offending, protecting vulnerable people and supporting victims. It is outstanding at tackling serious and organised crime.”
In a more negative context, organised crime is said to be almost three times more common in the region, according to the same report. Merseyside Police is aware of 132 organised crime groups per one million of the population, compared to the national average of 46. More than half of those related arrests are for drugs offences.
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Mike Cunningham, said: “I am pleased to report that Merseyside Police continues to be good at the way in which it effectively keeps people safe and reduces crime.
“Merseyside Police is good at investigating crime and supporting victims. We found trained call centre staff who are able to offer good advice to victims, until a police response arrives… I am pleased the force continues to protect vulnerable victims. Officers and staff understand how to correctly identify vulnerable victims in order to provide the best possible service.”
Mr Cunningham added: “The force has a comprehensive understanding of issues affecting its communities on a daily basis. The force should be commended for how it deters offenders being drawn back into gang crime, and the work it does to prevent re-offending.”
Additional reporting by Amy Shirtcliffe
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