Durham ranked in top tier under a new inspection system

Durham Constabulary has been ranked in the top tier of police forces under a new inspection system published today.

The force has been rated at Level One in the new Police Performance System assessment issued by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

The top rating means Durham is assessed as making progress and continuous improvement, with no significant causes for concern. It also means that Durham is encouraged to share some of its best practices with other forces to aid improvements in policing across the country.

Under the new system, inspectors have assigned a rating to every police force in England and Wales: from Level One, meaning no specific improvement action is required, to Level Four, equivalent to being placed in special measures. The system is designed to identify forces who need assistance at an earlier stage, so they can be given targeted help to boost performance.

The new Police Performance System sits alongside the regular Peel inspections, which are also carried out by HMICFRS.

Unlike Peel reports, which are published following an inspection carried out every two or three years, Police Performance System data will be published three times a year, giving the public a more up-to-date picture of force performance.

Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said: “I am absolutely delighted with this rating, which is entirely down to the relentless hard work and commitment of our officers and staff in delivering an improved police service for the public of County Durham and Darlington.

“Two years ago, I set the force a set of tough goals: to relentlessly pursue criminals; prevent crime, protect vulnerable people, and provide a first-class service to victims.

“Continuous improvement is never easy, particularly when set against a challenging backdrop of resources, but this positive rating is further evidence that we are firmly heading in the right direction.

“Sustained improvement does not happen overnight – delivering real change is an evolutionary process.

“We now have processes in place to systematically identify those areas where improvement is possible and to drive forward the changes necessary to make that improvement happen such as recent investment in neighbourhood policing, call handling, Professional Standards and digital technology.”

Chief Constable Bacon added: “Those improvements are now beginning to make a difference where they really matter, in communities across County Durham and Darlington.

“Our challenge now is to maintain this momentum, so members of the public continue to feel that improvement into the future.”

Responding to the announcement, Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services’ (HMICFRS) assessment of Durham Constabulary is a resounding endorsement of a force that is already operating at the highest levels of effectiveness and efficiency, while continuing to drive improvement and innovation.

“This impressive achievement reflects the Chief Constable’s exceptional leadership, the skill and commitment of the entire workforce, and the investment decisions that have strengthened Durham’s capabilities and performance.

“Together, these factors have helped establish Durham as one of the leading police forces in England and Wales, while increasing public trust and confidence in policing.”