Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said she believes Surrey Police is on the right trajectory after an inspection report for the Force was published today.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire Services (HMICFRS) found that the Force had maintained its good record in crime prevention, problem solving and neighbourhood policing whilst vastly improving its 999 and 101 call response.
The report did highlight areas for improvement which the Commissioner said she was confident the Force had already put plans in place to address.
Inspectors visited Surrey Police during August last year to carry out their Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) review which formed the basis for today’s report.
Fastest improving Force
Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “This report reflects the first two years of the Chief Constable’s five-year plan and I firmly believe the Force is heading in the right direction.
“Surrey Police has been focusing on what residents tell me are most important to them and what policing does best – fighting crime in our local communities, getting tough on offenders and protecting people.
“They have been one of the fastest improving forces in the country – burglary and vehicle crime rates are falling, police teams are cracking down on anti-social behaviour and shoplifting charges have risen by well over 400%.
More crimes solved
“The number of charges across the board has more than doubled while 40 per cent more crimes have been solved.
“I am pleased to see today’s report has recognised that the Force has maintained its good record in crime prevention, problem solving and that visible neighbourhood policing which I know is so important to our residents.
“In the last PEEL inspection, concerns were raised about Surrey Police’s contact with the public, in particular the length of time it took for 101 and 999 calls to be answered.
“So I am delighted to see that HMICFRS have recognised the transformation that has taken place in this area which has seen dramatic progress in the Force’s performance.
“There is always room for improvement of course and I welcome the scrutiny from inspectors whilst taking into account that the HMICFRS PEEL review is a snapshot in time and only one aspect of the police governance landscape in Surrey.
Change is underway
“There is a huge amount of change underway within Surrey Police at present and issues highlighted around leadership centred on the need for the Force to communicate its decisions and reasons for change more clearly which is being addressed.
“The report also highlighted investigating crime as an area that requires improvement. It is important to note that the concerns relate to how crime is recorded and the need to issue more adult cautions and community resolutions.
“There are still areas in which Surrey Police must do better, but I share the optimism of inspectors that plans are already well underway to address those areas highlighted as requiring improvement.”