CHESHIRE Police has been praised for keeping people safe, reducing crime and caring about the community.

The force was graded ‘Good’ overall in its latest report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.

The report, which was revealed on Tuesday and is the latest in the round of police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy (or PEEL) inspections, focused on two crucial aspects of policing - legitimacy and leadership - with officers being praised for treating the people they serve with fairness and respect.

Inspectors were impressed with the measures that have been taken to address disproportionality within the workforce and the significant improvements made to the use of stop and search powers – an issue that was previously highlighted as an area of improvement for the Constabulary.

Acting Chief Constable Janette McCormick said: “Police legitimacy is a critical element of policing and it is vital that our officers treat people with respect in the course of their duties and use their powers fairly.

“It’s pleasing to see that this report recognises that our ‘We’re Here’ commitments and ‘Code of Ethics’ are now enshrined at the heart of the organisation. It emphasises our commitment to the people we serve and ensures that all our officers and staff have a clear understanding of the values of the force.”

The inspectorate said that senior officers within the Constabulary continue to demonstrate high ethical standards - with managers actively encouraging feedback on the decisions they make. Inspectors also found that the force makes it easy for the public to complaints, and that they are generally investigated to a good standard.

The report also highlighted that Cheshire Constabulary is good at treating its workforce with fairness and respect and praises the ‘excellent’ work that the force has done to address disproportionality within the organisation.

Acting CC McCormick added: “We must be an honest, open and transparent organisation if we are to maintain the trust and confidence of the people we serve. How we treat are own staff is the start of that to ensure we respond promptly and professionally to any issues or complaints about the conduct of our officers and staff or the manner in which we deliver policing services.

“We also actively encourage feedback from staff and officers internally, and it is pleasing to see that inspectors found that all those working in the force feel supported and have the confidence to speak out if they have any concerns .

“The Constabulary is here to serve the people of Cheshire; therefore, it is essential that as an organisation we truly represent the people we serve. Over the past 12 months we have done a lot of work to increase diversity within the force - including the ‘Insight programme’. This has been set up to attract and support a diverse range of people into Cheshire Constabulary and was recognised nationally earlier this year.”