HER Majesty’s Inspector of Constabularies (HMIC) has found West Mercia Police uses it’s powers fairly, people are seen to be treated with respect and the public believe the force will treat them with respect, making fair decisions, as well as being friendly and approachable. This follows the efficiency report in November that also graded the force as good.
West Mercia’s Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, a former Redditch beat bobby, said: “We value the HMIC report into Legitimacy as it encourages us to continue making improvements to our service, evolving our culture and how this is reflected in our engagement with the public.
“Police legitimacy is critical in the public’s eyes for the police to be effective and efficient. We need a public that trusts and has confidence in its local police service.
“I am pleased that HMIC recognise the strengths of West Mercia Police and have graded us as good, in respect of the legitimacy with which it keeps people safe and reduces crime. The report also recognises that as a force we are good at ensuring the workforce behaves ethically and lawfully and that we report transparently to the public the outcomes of misconduct and corruption cases. It also reflects that we are treating our workforce with fairness and respect and that the workforce recognises the force’s commitment to health and wellbeing.
“While the HMIC grading of good is of course welcomed and deserved, we will continue as an organisation to strive to be better, at protecting the public and the most vulnerable, and I firmly believe we all have the capability and desire to reach this goal.”
