A REPORT looking into police effectiveness for the Cheshire Constabulary has rated the service ‘good’ in four key areas.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane has welcomed the latest report by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

The report praised the police in preventing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour, investigating crime and reducing re-offending, protecting vulnerable people and tackling serious organised crime.

The service was ungraded for specialist capabilities because it was not applicable during the inspection The inspector said: "Cheshire Constabulary has the necessary arrangements in place to fulfil its national responsibilities, and to respond to an attack requiring an armed response.

“Cheshire Constabulary is good at keeping people safe and reducing crime. Since our 2016 effectiveness inspection, the force has remained effective in protecting vulnerable people and supporting victims and has made good progress in how it manages serious and organised crime.”

David said: “Despite the changing and challenging landscape that policing faces nationally and the resource pressures we’re dealing with as a police service.

“I am delighted to see that HMICFRS has commended the work of the constabulary in a number of key areas that underpin the police and crime plan.

“Reducing and preventing crime remains a key priority for the constabulary, and it is encouraging to see that the force has been recognised for the measures it has put in place to tackle serious and organised crime in areas identified for improvement in early 2016.

“It is also particularly pleasing that crucial partnership working to support vulnerable people and victims of crime has been commended, including a number of victim support services which I fund.

“Whilst overall performance is good, there are also areas of improvement highlighted by HMICFRS. I will continue to monitor the areas identified to ensure that the acting chief constable makes improvements, where necessary.”

Darren Martland, deputy chief constable said: “It’s vital our local communities have confidence in the constabulary when providing protection and support to vulnerable people and combating serious and organised crime across our county.

“We continue to carry out thorough operations and investigations by putting the victim at the heart of what we do and providing support throughout the investigation and the court process.

“All our officers and staff remain committed to providing a high level of police service to all victims and I am pleased with how the HMICFRS effectiveness report reflects this.”