CHESHIRE Police has been rated good for efficiency, legitimacy and effectiveness in a new inspection.

Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service (HMICFRS) has been independently assessing how well police forces across England and Wales perform as part of the annual PEEL inspection.

Acting Chief Constable Janette McCormick said: “We’re here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to keep the communities of Cheshire safe. Officers and staff are there in times of need, as well as supporting people who may be victims of crime.

“We are all proud of the very positive assessment HMICFRS has made about Cheshire Constabulary and I’m pleased that they have recognised that the force provides a consistently good service to the people of Cheshire.

“We have been highly praised for a number of key areas including our commitment to protecting vulnerable people and for reducing crime.

"We were also commended for our innovation in predicting likely future demand, robust priority-based budgeting and excellent collaboration with other police forces and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.”

Inspectors also recognised that the constabulary treats members of the public and its own workforce with fairness and respect; noting that the organisation demonstrates a strong focus on wellbeing and leadership development.

Improvements in the constabulary's monitoring of its use of stop and search powers and efforts to tackle organised crime gangs and protect vulnerable people were commended.

Inspectors said crime recording still needed further improvements.

Acting Ch Con McCormick added: “I acknowledge the concerns that have been raised and we are working to ensure that our crime recording is always victim focused and puts all victims, especially the vulnerable, at the heart of what we do.

“To make sure we succeed in our aims we have taken a number of steps including updating policies, extra training for officers and staff and a dedicated learning area on our Intranet.

“Overall, this report is great news for the constabulary and for the people of Cheshire. It reflects the hard work and commitment of every officer and member of staff including the Specials and volunteers who support us on a daily basis.”

Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane added: “It is encouraging that the constabulary has been commended in a number of key areas which underpin my police and crime plan, including its work protecting vulnerable people and providing support to victims of crime.

“The report also notes a number of improvements made by the constabulary since last year’s assessment such as the improved monitoring of the constabulary’s use of stop and search powers.

“HMICFRS has highlighted some areas for further development including the under-recording of some types of crime. However, I am assured that the constabulary has already put extra measures in place to improve crime recording and I will continue to closely monitor this on behalf of the residents of Cheshire.

“I would like to thank all the officers, PCSOs and staff for their continued dedication to keeping the people of Cheshire safe. Assessment results like this would not be possible without their hard work and support.”