Performance and Measurement

Summary

While West Mercia has five urban areas, it is predominantly rural. In May 2007, the service paid tribute to the selfless and courageous actions of PC Ricky Gray who tragically lost his life in an incident in Shrewsbury, whilst protecting his unarmed colleagues and members of the public from a man armed with a firearm. July presented the challenge of dealing with the worst floods to have affected Herefordshire and South Worcestershire since 1947. Over the initial 24 hour period, calls for service were running at nearly 300% above normal levels, with 999 calls peaking at 400% above normal. Many staff worked extended shifts and their rest days, some subsequently returning home to deal with their own flooded homes.

Neighbourhood policing has been assessed by HMIC as Good over the last 2 years, and met the standard in the most recent inspection. Many of the processes and products developed for neighbourhood policing and citizen focus are recognised by other forces as effective practice. Protecting vulnerable people is currently assessed as good. Major crime was assessed as meeting the standard and the issues identified by HMIC have been incorporated into an extensive programme of change.

Some 2.5% fewer crimes were recorded in 2007/8 compared to 2006/7. This reduction, taken together with the out-turn from the previous 3 years, means a 25% reduction in crime over a 4 year period. The investment in neighbourhood policing contributed significantly to a 9.2% reduction in recorded anti-social behaviour with 9,040 fewer reports in 2007/8 compared to the previous year. There was an increase in the number of domestic burglaries in 2007/8 when compared to the previous year, however in the longer term, domestic burglaries are still showing a decrease. In 2007/8, 83% of people surveyed reported that they were completely, very and fairly satisfied with the service provided, which exceeded the force’s 82.8% target. For 2008/9 this target has been increased to 84%.

Local priorities identified have reflected the importance placed on community-based policing, particularly the fundamental principles of visibility, accessibility, and response to community issues. The local target for the percentage of community support officer time spent on visible patrol was not met, however the other two local targets requiring each local policing area to set 3 priorities, and the actions to be completed on time, were surpassed.

In August 2007, the Home Secretary officially opened the Force’s new specialist facility on a dedicated site. The result of a £4m investment, this state-of-the-art facility locates a number of specialist and sensitive units, including the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, Special Branch and Covert Authorities Bureau in one secure site, thus enabling closer working relationships between the teams. In October 2007, the force successfully retained Charter Mark accreditation, the Government’s own award scheme for recognising and encouraging excellent customer service in the public sector.

Key challenges identified are to deliver sustained high performance across the full breadth of 21st century policing services, from local policing through response to protective services, within a constrained economic environment and the need to adopt and adapt to national systems, whilst at the same time delivering efficiency gains and addressing bureaucracy, delivering a citizen focused agenda whilst achieving effective symbiotic relationships with partners.