HMIC pleased with progress in Essex Police

ESSEX Police has been praised by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary following its third PEEL assessment.

The force was rated good across the three areas in which came under the microscope: effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy.

Zoë Billingham, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, said: “I am very pleased with the overall performance of Essex Police.”

She added: “I am particularly pleased with the progress that the force has made in the effectiveness with which it keeps people safe and reduces crime.

“There have been improvements across all areas including in how the force supports people who are vulnerable. There are still some areas that I would like to see the force improve upon, but overall it is very encouraging progress.

“The force has taken on board our recommendations on how it should improve its crime prevention work, and it is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour to prevent it from escalating.”

The force’s interest in staff welfare was also praised. Ms Billingham added: “I was encouraged to find a clear focus on the well-being of the workforce. This is clearly demonstrated by its open and positive approach to supporting staff, including those with performance or attendance problems, and its emphasis on removing the stigma of mental health issues.”

However, the inspectorate did raise concerns about the number of suspects who have yet to be investigated and the number of incidents that remain unresolved. And the force needs to do more to improve how it manages the risks posed by registered sex offenders living in its area, the report found.