SUFFOLK Constabulary has been singled out today as one of only two forces performing poorly and consistently falling short on their commitment to the public.

SUFFOLK Constabulary has been singled out today as one of only two forces performing poorly and consistently falling short on their commitment to the public.

More than four out of five police forces in England and Wales have fallen short of delivering a landmark Government promise on frontline standards.

Inspectors found 35 out of 43 forces need to work harder to meet the basic principles of the so-called Policing Pledge.

Senior officers must do more to keep victims up to date on the progress of their inquiries and support dissatisfied members of the public.

Many forces must act to improve simple things such as ensuring police station opening times are accurate, responding to telephone messages and telling crime victims what to expect.

The findings were published today in a report by officials at Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary who conducted mystery shopper-style visit to forces across the country.

Chief constables signed up to the 10 point promise, which focuses on the delivery of frontline services, last December.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Kitching said: 'We are surprised and disappointed at the findings of this report - and we are sure this sentiment will be shared by our officers and staff, our partners as well as the community of Suffolk.

'Suffolk Constabulary has a proud track record of keeping people safe while offering a quality service.

'We have a low crime rate compared to many other areas of the country.

'Our detection rate is higher than the majority of forces. Our surveys show that more than 87% of local people feel safe and perceptions of anti-social behaviour are low.

'They also show that 70% of people think that their local force does a good or excellent job.

'We are a low-cost force, offering value-for-money for local council tax payers.

'However, despite our disappointment with this report, we will take on board the comments of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary with the aim of improving our service even further.

Cumbria is the other force which has been graded as poor in the report.