Performance and Measurement

Summary

Leicestershire is a culturally diverse county and the force demonstrates a keen understanding of community needs through extensive local involvement that underpins its operational policing activity. National survey results evidence high confidence levels with the force, leading its peers.

During 2005/06 the force achieved strong performance improvements, with overall crime reduced by around 5,000 offences, including significant reductions in house and commercial burglaries, robberies and vehicle thefts. Leicestershire detected significantly more crimes (3,300 additional sanction detections), with one of the highest overall sanction detection rates nationwide. Although violent crime remains a concern, particularly within Leicester city, focused policing did achieve an annual reduction, particularly in relation to serious assaults.

Other 2006/07 priorities include internal force restructuring to rationalise policing areas and align with local government boundaries. This will enhance capacity through economies of scale and improve partnership crime reduction capability. An improved performance regime, Achieving Performance Excellence (APEX), has been introduced to enhance efficiency and effectiveness further.

The constabulary continues to take a leading role on neighbourhood policing. Work to increase police community support officers and ensure beat officers are not abstracted is ongoing. Quality of service remains a priority, with the piloting of the 101 non-emergency number and challenging targets set locally for call handling.

In spite of significant financial challenges, the force maintained comparatively low costs and achieved a 3% efficiency saving without compromising overall performance.

For further information see the full baseline assessment.