Praise for police, but improvements needed

NORTHUMBRIA Police has been praised by inspectors for reducing crime, but has also been told to improve in other areas.

- By DAVID HUNTLEY

An inspection by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found that significant improvements have been made in answering 999 calls, as well as how the force works with partners to combat anti-social behaviour. The PEEL (police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy) report published today also recognises the success of Operation Capio - an initiative tackling motorcycle-related crime.

The report also praised a scheme aimed at preventing children becoming involved in knife crime - known as a Trainee Detective Programme. The project focuses on the tragic death of 18-year-old Connor Brown, who was killed in Sunderland, and educates young people about the dangers of knife crime.

Northumbria Police is one of the largest police forces in the country and serves a population of almost 1.5 million people, covering some of the most deprived areas of the country. But the inspection highlighted some areas for improvement, including the need to improve its use of protective orders to better protect victims of domestic abuse.

The inspection assessed how good the force is in nine areas of policing - with judgements in most areas being 'adequate', apart from preventing crime, which was deemed 'good.' The report found that the force needs to reduce the time it takes to answer emergency calls. In the year ending October 31 2024, it answered 86.7% of its 999 calls within 10 seconds.

The force has improved in this area since the last inspection but is still below the 90% standard expected of forces nationally.