Major
Crime Performance Continues to Improve
Nottinghamshire Police, which took on, and won, a turf
war with major criminals, has been now recognised by the Her Majesty’s
Inspectorate of Constabulary for the improved structures and processes
which are supporting ever more successful policing operations.
ACC Sue Fish, who was recently awarded the OBE in recognition of her role
in the fight against major crime, said: 'These now historical events have
been well documented. The force was fighting on two fronts – confronting
major crime head on, and attacking volume crime. In those circumstances,
it was a real challenge to rebuild our structures to meet the new threats
– but we did it, and we are now reaping the benefits of those changes.
'I am extremely pleased that the HMI has recognised the massive improvements
in the management of major crime. The report recognises that the force
has become increasingly sophisticated in the way it manages intelligence
and responds to investigations. This enables us to make pre-emptive strikes
and take criminals out before their criminality escalates and causes serious
harm.'
Head of Crime, Det Chief Supt Neil James, said: 'We have demonstrated
to the external inspection regime that we are match fit in the fight against
major crime –and that is a credit to the officers and staff of this
force whose commitment and determination has brought about these changes.
'The organisation had already demonstrated its ability and appetite to
tackle major crime, with a considerable number of successful convictions
across the county. What we needed was breathing space from the unrelenting
pace of crime to set up structures and processes which would support greater
consistency of service, as well an improved ability to identify, disrupt
and dismantle emerging criminal gangs.'
The force has invested not only financially but in developing close working
relationships with law enforcement partners and key community contacts.
It is recognised as leading the way in collaborative working across the
East Midlands, and this has reduced opportunities for serious criminals
to flourish.
Said Neil James: 'The report acknowledges that we are offering good value
for money in terms of the balance of resources between front line policing
and major crime. Our intelligence processes have matured significantly
and this has impacted on our ability to respond with our investigative
assets in a proportionate manner. Our tasking processes have allowed us
to put staff in the right locations at the right time, for maximum impact.'
Said ACC Fish: 'The HMI Report is, necessarily, an inspection of strategic
perspectives which can, to the average non-police person, be rather baffling.
To put it very simply, this is very good news for the public of Nottinghamshire.
This force has an excellent track record for dealing with major crime
– and it is now even better at deterring and disrupting criminality
to prevent its escalation. That makes communities safer and creates a
positive environment in which to live and work.'
John Clarke, Chairman of the Police Authority, added: 'I’m
pleased to see that HMIC recognises the work that has taken place to address
major crime issues in Nottinghamshire. The report shows that the force
has identified areas of potential risk and taken appropriate steps to
manage these and mitigate them as far as possible. It highlights
many areas of strength and the Police Authority will monitor those marked
as areas for improvement to check the progress.'
