Notts Police labelled '˜good' for keeping people safe and reducing crime

The Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) inspection looked at the force’s approach to preventing and investigating crime and antisocial behaviour, tackling serious and organised crime, managing offenders and protecting those most vulnerable.

Deputy Chief Constable Sue Fish said described the force’s work as “outstanding” for its ability to reduce crime, tackle serious and organised crime and protect the public.

DCC Fish said: “The introduction of mental health triage cars, staffed by a police officer and a mental health professional, means that people are offered the right support at the first point of contact, rather than being taken into custody. Since April last year, we have also had no children with mental health issues in our cells.

“Operation Vanguard Plus has brought together various agencies to offer lifestyle support and mentoring, help with accommodation and training opportunities, to help deter people from a life of crime. Working with the integrated offender management teams it also puts in place longer term problem-solving to break the cycle of reoffending.

“Our officers and staff work hard to prevent crime, detect crime and keep people safe, and we have strong links with our partners. It is important to recognise there is strength in working together to understand local issues and resolve them.”

HMI Zoe Billingham, one of the inspectors, said HMIC judged the force good after looking at some of the most important areas of policing.

She said: “I am very pleased that the force has a strong focus on preventing crime from happening in the first place.”

She added that the force works well with local authorities, housing and charities to tackle long-term crime problems - as well as working with other police forces across the East Midlands.

“I am reassured the force has a continuing commitment to neighbourhood policing and there are plans to restructure neighbourhood teams to better reflect demand and need.

“The force is to be commended for having improved the overall quality of its crime investigations and good progress has been made since our crime inspection in 2014.”

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping was also pleased with the report,

He thinks the report says much about the “strong leadership” and “commitment of officers and staff” to protect people and keep them from harm.

The PCC said: “There has been a great deal of progress in protecting vulnerable people.

“But we also need to work harder, with our partner agencies, to prevent crime, reduce the number of repeat offenders, and supporting people out of the cycles that drive criminality so that we lessen the demand on the police service and improve the quality of life in communities.”