Durham Constabulary 'Most Efficient' Force In UK

Despite massive cuts to their budget, Durham Constabulary have been named the most efficient police force in the UK.

During a HMIC inspection, the force scored 'outstanding' on all three sections regarding value for money while keeping people safe.

The inspections, known as PEEL Assessments, look at a forces effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy.

They said the force were "exceptionally well-prepared" for any further financial cuts to their services.

Their success is despite the loss of over 200 officers in the past five years, a 20 per cent drop in the number of police in the region.

Assistant Chief Officer Gary Ridley put their success down to better technology, allowing officers to remain out on the beat, instead of using time and money to return to stations.

He also credited sharing resources with other emergency services, including sharing training facilities with Durham Fire and Rescue and using medically trained officers.

He said: "This is now the fifth year of austerity.We've lost a lot of police officers and police staff."

"Undoubtedly what austerity means for Durham is a fundamental review of the way we police."

"It also meant that we have challenged ourselves quite strongly."

The force say they have visits at least once a week from other forces around the UK, who're keen to pick up cost-cutting tips from them.

In the past 18 months, representatives from half of the UK's police forces have been through the doors of Durham Constabulary's new HQ in Aykley Heads.

Chief Constable Mike Barton is delighted with the accolade.

He said: "I didn't join policing to add up budgets but I've learned the skill.

"I get so much money from the government, it's less and less and we've got to deliver more and more.

"Whether it's cyber crime or sexual exploitation, we are significantly delivering in those areas."