West Yorkshire Police rated 'Good' in latest effectiveness inspection

The rating is given for the forces ability to keep people safe and reduce crime in the region.

It was found, however, that improvement was needed when it comes to preventing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour. The inspection also revealed greater links are needed with emerging and changing communities.

HMIC raised concern about the effect of reduced community-based resources on public confidence, after figures show the change in the number of PSCO's between the 31st March 2010 - 31st March 2016 is down around 30%. The report said: “There has been considerable drop in the percentage who report seeing a uniform presence in their area”.

HMIC judged that West Yorkshire Police:

• ‘requires improvement’ in preventing crime, tackling anti-social behaviour and keeping people safe;

• is ‘good’ at how it investigates crime and reduces re-offending;

• is ‘good’ at how it protects those who are vulnerable from harm, and supporting victims; and

• is ‘good’ at how it tackles serious and organised crime.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Mike Cunningham said:

“I am pleased to report that overall West Yorkshire Police continues effectively keep people safe and reduce crime.

“The force has a good understanding of threats, more work is needed to understand its changing and emerging communities in order to fully assess any future issues. The force is committed to engaging with the public through neighbourhood policing, however this is inconsistent and all communities deserve the same level of service.

“The force is good at responding immediately to investigations and this is partly due to good work in the control room as call handlers gather information and offer advice on preserving evidence. I am also pleased to see that progress has been made around the capacity and capability dealing with crimes that are conducted using new electronic and digitally based technology. This is an improvement from last year’s performance and I hope to see continued work in this area, in particular to ensure that investigations are completed thoroughly and quickly with the best interests of the victim in mind.

“I am pleased to see that good progress has been made in protecting vulnerable victims. The force has increased the numbers of staff who are involved in supporting and protecting vulnerable victims, and have completed training to improve their knowledge, skills and awareness. This is an improvement from our last inspection and I am encouraged to see the commitment to supporting victims is a priority.

“West Yorkshire Police is also good at tackling serious and organised crime. We found that steps had been taken to improve its response to organised crime threats such as human trafficking, cyber-crime and child sexual exploitation. This ensures that early intervention and prevention steps can be taken to keep communities safe in the future.”

Responding, West Yorkshire Police's Chief Constable Dee Collins said: “This is a positive report overall and the HMIC’s “good” assessment is a positive reflection of the hard work of our officers and staff in the communities they serve.

“I am particularly pleased at the noted progress we have made around those who are vulnerable and the support we give to victims.

“It is very clear from the report that the policing challenge in West Yorkshire is extremely complex and we must manage significant levels of demand, in the best way possible with the resources we have.

“The recognition of our ability to tackle crime at the most serious end of the scale, along with our improving response to new and emerging threats, is also welcome.

“There are some areas where we still need to improve, such as problem solving, but we have a clear plan and direction of travel over the next five years, to ensure we continue to deliver a service that meets public needs and keeps our communities safe.”