CHESHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY IS 'PERFORMING WELL & IMPROVING'

Cheshire Police Authority performs well, a new report released today by the Audit Commission and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) confirms.  On a scale from one to four, the joint inspection team assessed the Authority’s performance as ‘3’ - performing well.

Chairman of the Authority, Margaret Ollerenshaw said “The results of the independent inspection confirms that the Authority is working with the people of Cheshire to understand what they want from their police service, that the Authority is setting challenging targets for the police; and, the Chief Constable and his chief officers are being held to account on behalf of the public.

I am proud that the Police Authority is in a strong position locally, regionally and nationally. We welcomed the report as it not only highlights the areas in which we are performing well but also looks at how we could continue to improve and we have already put measures in place to address these. The Authority will continue to work closely with the Chief Constable, Dave Whatton to make Cheshire safer.”

The Audit Commission's Val Edmonds, who led the joint inspection team, said: “Cheshire Police Authority provides clear leadership for policing in the county. Members talk to local people, listen to their concerns and ensure local policing reflects what is important to them. Through good scrutiny and challenge it is helping improve the Constabulary’s performance and giving local people more confidence in the police. Partnership working is good. Members work well with other public services, such as councils and health services, to help improve the safety of Cheshire residents. The Authority is strengthening its focus on driving better value for money from policing but it needs to do much more especially given the current economic climate.”

A copy of the inspection report can be read here