Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) yesterday published its Annual PEEL report examining policing effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy.
The report found that the two counties force kept people safe, reduced crime, understood the needs of local communities and worked well with partner agencies.
It gave credit for the constabulary tackling anti-social behaviour and devising ‘innovative ways of working’ during peak demand.
Assistant Chief Constable Russ Middleton welcomed the report, which rated Devon and Cornwall as one of the best performing police forces in the country.
Mr Middleton said: ‘At a time of austerity and reduced policing resources, having an independent report giving such a positive view of Devon and Cornwall Police is a huge credit to all our officers and staff.
‘Our mission is to detect harm, protect the vulnerable and reduce crime – all areas the HMIC say we are doing well.
He added: ‘We want to work together with partners and communities to make them feel safer, and again, the report says we are doing this to a high standard.
‘Policing by consent is a cornerstone of our work in Devon and Cornwall and having our communities engaged and involved with this is critical.’
The report also gave credit to clear leadership and direction from officers and staff across the force.
It said: ‘HMIC is reassured that leaders across the force are receiving a clear and consistent message. The force understands the current status of its leadership at every level, which includes an understanding of leadership capacity and capability.’
Mr Middleton responded: ‘Leadership is key to those at every level of the organisation understanding what they can do to make our communities safe and work towards achieving the force’s mission – providing a high quality policing service to the public.
‘I’m confident that we can build on this overwhelmingly positive assessment and in the next year see Devon and Cornwall Police build on the encouragement this report brings while further maintaining those strong links with our partners and communities which already exist.’