Performance and Measurement

Summary of HMIC baseline assessments.

The work of the largest non-metropolitan force in the country is made more complex by the fact that it works with partners in 16 crime and disorder reduction partnerships within the areas of two county councils and three unitary authorities. The area includes conurbations with diverse communities and pockets of deprivation that contrast with sparsely populated rural areas with very different policing needs.

Recent performance has been sustained during major organisational change that includes creating five Basic Command Units (BCUs) from the previous ten, within which sixteen local policing areas are co-terminous with partnerships. The latter half of 2004/05 also saw some good performance improvements. A settled command team with a good range of skills and experience has set a wide-ranging but clear agenda for further improvement. A particular current challenge is to retain experienced staff given the high cost of living.

For futher information see the full baseline assessment.