South Yorkshire Police has been rated as one of four of the most improved forces in the country for performance during the last year (to September, 2009) by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC).

The inspection also found that the Force was showing the greatest prospect for improvement for 2010.

The results come at a time when many categories of recorded crime are at historically low county levels, particularly house burglaries (the lowest for 27 years), theft of vehicles (lowest for 34 years) and theft from vehicles (lowest for 23 years).
“It’s very pleasing to see that the HMIC has highlighted these improvements but we recognise that our hard work does not stop here,” said Deputy Chief Constable Bob Dyson.
“We want to provide the best service that we can by making sure that we listen to what people tell us and take action wherever possible.


The independent assessment, contained in a ‘Police Report Card’, will be available on the HMIC’s website MyPolice.org.uk and informs local communities about how their force is serving the public.

Comparisons were made between similar forces on local crime and policing, protection from serious harm, confidence and satisfaction and value for money. South Yorkshire Police was rated as ‘fair’ in each of the first three categories with the provision of these services costing communities less than the national average.

In South Yorkshire the level of crime continues to fall and has resulted in over 43,000 fewer victims during the last three calendar years (2006 to 2009).

The assessment also shows that South Yorkshire Police has been graded as ‘good’ for solving crime with a higher rate of detections than in previous years.
“The public are reporting an increasing level of confidence in the Force and the work that it is doing with partners, while victims of crime are reporting increased satisfaction in the quality of the service that they have received,” added Mr. Dyson.

“Residents’ perceptions on such issues as the levels of antisocial behaviour they experience is showing that local people are reporting an improvement in those issues that affect their quality of life, which are a key focus for our safer neighbourhood teams.

“The improvements we have made in recent years provides evidence to our commitment to the public. For example, criminal damage has been reduced by 33% over the last three years (since 2006). However, we do recognise that people’s expectations continue to rise and that there is a need to continue to reduce crime and to continue to improve the service we provide. The Local Policing Plan for 2010 - 2013 includes a number of stretching targets agreed with South Yorkshire Police Authority that will be the focus of our work in the years ahead.

“ Despite significant crime reductions the public’s fear of crime has not fallen by the same levels. We have more work to do to increase confidence so that perceptions of becoming a victim match reality.”