Suffolk police praised as crime falls

SUFFOLK'S police force has been praised for improving the quality of its service to the public - while reducing crime in the county.Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) - an independent body responsible for monitoring police performance across the country - has upgraded the force for the way it delivers against the ten standards of the Policing Pledge.

SUFFOLK'S police force has been praised for improving the quality of its service to the public - while reducing crime in the county.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) - an independent body responsible for monitoring police performance across the country - has upgraded the force for the way it delivers against the ten standards of the Policing Pledge.

The news comes as overall crime in the county has shown a decrease, compared with the same period last year.

Following a rating of 'poor' by the HMIC after an inspection last summer, Suffolk police were one of nine forces nationwide to be re-inspected earlier this year.

The force is now assessed overall as 'fair' and was upgraded in all four of the areas re-inspected by HMIC, including a 'good' for delivery of Pledge Point 8 which covers keeping local people informed about progress on local crime and policing issues.

Suffolk's Chief Constable Simon Ash said: 'This is excellent news - and underlines how our officers and staff are committed to providing local people with a quality policing service.

'I am particularly pleased that we have seen an improvement in the way we keep local people informed about the work we are doing to keep their communities safe, whether through the local media, our websites or newsletters.'