Nottinghamshire Police has improved its performance on preventing crime and keeping people safe, inspectors say.
The force has been given a ‘good’ rating in the key category, which is assessed by the Government’s policing watchdog.
This is better than last year’s rating, when the force was graded as ‘requires improvement’ because it was judged not good enough at planning ahead to cope with demand.
The new report, published today, says: “The force has improved the way it prevents crime and tackles anti-social behaviour.
“It is developing its understanding of the communities it serves, and neighbourhood officers are exploring ways of engaging with local communities, to better understand what matters to them most and respond better to their needs.”
The assessment is one of a number carried out by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, which checks Police Forces across the UK are performing and serving the public effectively.
While Nottinghamshire’s overall performance has improved the report also shows there are concerns the force could struggle to respond to emergencies at busy times.
HM Inspector of Constabulary Zoë Billingham said: “In the context of really significant increases in the demand for police services over the last year I know that the force shares my concerns.
“The force is taking further action to address this and I will continue to monitor the force’s progress.”
The report is a significant sign of improvement and confidence from the inspectorate, given the force is currently experiencing a big increase in crime, which soared by 25 per cent in the 12 months to June 2017.
However, the rate of crime overall in Notts is still on par with the rest of the country, with 77 crimes recorded per 1,000 people per year – exactly the same as the national average.
The force’s Deputy Chief Constable, Rachel Barber, said the force was continuing to try to recruit more front line officers and was committed to favouring neighbourhood policing.
She said: “The improving picture of the force’s effectiveness is a really positive step for Nottinghamshire. We have made significant efficiency savings which enables us to reinvest back into the front line, to protect the public and keep people safe.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping added: “A good grade is good news for the public and the force itself, providing a boost to all those who have worked so hard to achieve this.
“The report highlights that Nottinghamshire officers and staff have performed effectively against a backdrop of challenges including the reduction in resources, the real threat of terrorist activity, the increasing number of calls for assistance and the changing face of crime itself.”