Suffolk congratulated for its response to challenges of past year

In the latest PEEL (Police Effectiveness Efficiency and Legitimacy) report, Suffolk was found to have improved in many areas since its last inspection in 2019.

The force was graded as ‘good’ in six of the ten areas assessed during the inspection – preventing crime, treatment of the public, disrupting serious organised crime, managing offenders, developing a positive workplace and good use of resources.

In a further three areas, investigating crime, responding to the public and protecting vulnerable people, Suffolk Constabulary received a rating of ‘adequate’, the middle rating out of the five available.

However, within the HMICFRS report it was also acknowledged there are still some areas for improvement and one grading area – supporting victims – was assessed as ‘requires improvement’.

In addition, inspectors recognised Suffolk is among the lowest-funded forces in the country and described its effectiveness at managing funding and resources as notable.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Kearton said: “I believe this report demonstrates the progress Suffolk Constabulary continues to make. It also reflects the strenuous efforts made by officers and staff to keep people safe, as well as to catch and convict criminals.

“While there are always likely to be areas where we seek to improve, I hope today’s report will reassure the communities of Suffolk we are committed to providing them with the best possible police service we can.

“Over the past decade it has been no secret those efforts have been set against a financially challenging backdrop, which we have to accept is likely to continue.

“However, I am determined we will continue to do everything we can to ensure the quality of policing in Suffolk remains as high as possible.”

The HMICFRS inspection found that Suffolk Constabulary needs to improve how well it answers its 101 non-emergency calls from the public, with too many going unanswered or callers having long waiting times.

Inspectors said the force has recognised the issue and has a recovery plan in place.

Ms Kearton added: “While the HMICFRS inspection reflects favourably on Suffolk Constabulary we know there has been a continuing issue with 101 waiting times. We are grateful for a rise in this year’s council tax precept which will help us try to resolve that and I am pleased the inspectors have acknowledged we have a plan to do so.

“Overall, this report reflects how dedicated our officers, staff, specials and volunteers are to serving the communities where they live.”

Suffolk police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore said: “This is a good report and reflects the hard work and commitment of the Constabulary to keep us all safe.

“I am pleased the inspectorate has recognised that despite being one of lowest-funded forces, the constabulary has responded to the challenges it faces and has improved in many areas since the last inspection. The inspectorate also recognised the force faces unprecedented demand which are the main responsibility of other public services.

“I accept the findings that the 101 service needs to improve and we have already committed a significant investment to improve this primary route for public contact.

“As you would expect, there are areas where the constabulary could do better and I will monitor progress in these areas through our Accountability and Performance Panel, which is a public meeting if anyone is interested to see for themselves how this process works.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank officers and staff for their continued dedication to the communities they serve and echo the Inspector’s congratulations for keeping us safe and reducing crime.”