Government review of policing in Devon released today

A review on Devon and Cornwall Police, including policing in Sidmouth, has been released today by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

The report has awarded Devon and Cornwall Police good in the three categories: efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy.

HM Inspector of Constabulary, Wendy Williams said: "I am very pleased with the performance of Devon and Cornwall Police in keeping people safe and reducing crime and, in particular, with the improvement in its effectiveness.

"The Force prevents crime and tackles anti-social behaviour well. Since the last inspection, it has improved how it responds to and protects vulnerable people, working closely with partners to ensure it safeguards victims."

The report from 2017/18 had three areas of improvement for Devon and Cornwall Police: investigating crime, protecting those who are vulnerable and how well does the force ensure that its workforce behaves ethically and lawfully.

Devon & Cornwall Police was ranked good on eight of the nine areas inspected in the new 2018/19 report. Investigating crime was the only area that was in the required improvement category.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Netherton said: "We are very pleased with this report, it highlights the good work that we have been doing and it shows that Devon and Cornwall is one of the best police forces in the country"

The report highlighted that Devon and Cornwall Police continue to uphold an ethical culture and is using information on demand to develop sustainable, financial and workforce plans for the future.

"We must continue to deliver improvements across all areas. We do not want to stand still, but strive to become even better.

"We are very proud of our history of delivering local policing in our neighbourhoods and we want to continue that while providing the best possible service to our victims and communities".