South Yorkshire police aims to raise public confidence

South Yorkshire police will be assessed over the next three years on how public confidence in the force improves.

It is among a list of targets, which include reducing serious and organised crime, set by the county`s police authority, which oversees the performance of the force. The force`s ability to improve community safety, tackle crime at all levels and protect South Yorkshire from terrorism and extremism will also be monitored.

Police Authority chairman Charles Perryman said: “Public confidence and satisfaction is where we want to make a big effort this year. This is a strategic priority for the police and likely to stay that way for a while. Treating people with respect, keeping promise

s and keeping people informed about what is happening with their problems are simple actions which can be overlooked when officers are under pressure. What is needed is for officers to think as the victim would think, asking what they expect and then acting on the answers.”

Chief Constable Med Hughes said: “South Yorkshire Police is one of the most improved police forces in the UK as assessed by Her Majesty`s Inspector of Constabulary. This plan sets out how we intend to continue to improve the service that we give to the public during the next three years.

“Raising confidence and satisfaction is one of the priorities within this plan and the force will be working hard to lift the feeling of security in our local communities, whilst continuing to reduce crime and tackle criminality.”