Suffolk Constabulary has been rated ‘good’ by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) for its overall effectiveness in a report published today.

The force was commended for keeping people safe and reducing crime in the report, which follows the latest HMICFRS inspection.

The overall grading of good relates to supporting victims and protecting people who are vulnerable due to their age, disability, or because they have been subjected to repeated offences, or are at a high risk of abuse.

In addition, the constabulary was rated good at preventing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour, investigating crime and reducing re-offending, and also tackling serious and organised crime.

Suffolk’s Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Jupp said: “It is pleasing to see that the work which goes in to one of our top priorities, that of protecting the vulnerable in our communities, has been acknowledged by HMICFRS.

“I am proud of the hard work my officers and staff do in this and other areas.

“Policing is going through changing and challenging times, with demand rising as the issues we deal with become more complex.

“However, we always strive to improve our service wherever we can, while responding to these new challenges.”

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “I am very pleased that the HMICFRS has recognised the good work of Suffolk Constabulary to keep us safe and reduce crime.

“I am particularly proud the HMICFRS report also praised the way Suffolk deals with vulnerability.

“In my role as PCC I have a responsibility to support victims of crime so I am really pleased that the inspectorate noted our officer and staff are helping to keep vulnerable people safe.

“We face challenging times and the Constabulary is meeting this challenge with great professionalism and I hope Suffolk joins me in thanking them for their commitment.”

The report also pointed out Suffolk Constabulary has the necessary arrangements in place to fulfil national policing responsibilities and respond to an attack which would require an armed response.

The HMICFRS PEEL effectiveness inspection is a national benchmarking exercise to judge how effective police forces are at keeping people safe and reducing crime.

The review into overall effectiveness includes focus groups and interviews with officers, staff and partners, inspection of case files and data.