This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/6079944.stm

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Humberside 'worst police force' Humberside 'worst police force'
(30 minutes later)
Humberside and Northamptonshire are among the worst performing police forces in England and Wales, according to latest official Home Office figures. Humberside and Northamptonshire are among the worst performing police forces in England and Wales, according to Home Office figures.
Humberside was also one of the worst last year but had improved since.Humberside was also one of the worst last year but had improved since.
The best performing forces included Staffordshire and Northumbria, while the Metropolitan Police improved.The best performing forces included Staffordshire and Northumbria, while the Metropolitan Police improved.
All 43 police forces were assessed in seven categories including reducing crime, investigating crime, promoting safety and providing help.All 43 police forces were assessed in seven categories including reducing crime, investigating crime, promoting safety and providing help.
READ THE REPORT Police performance assessments 2005/06 [1.1MB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader hereREAD THE REPORT Police performance assessments 2005/06 [1.1MB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here
The other categories were citizen focus, which included community confidence in the police, resource use and local policing.The other categories were citizen focus, which included community confidence in the police, resource use and local policing.
They were rated either excellent, good, fair or poor.They were rated either excellent, good, fair or poor.
But the Home Office resisted publishing a league table. In the past it has said it would be only "unhelpful and inaccurate".But the Home Office resisted publishing a league table. In the past it has said it would be only "unhelpful and inaccurate".
Tony McNulty, the minister in charge of policing, said it would be like comparing Liverpool FC with Accrington Stanley.
BEST AND WORST WORST: Humberside, Northants, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, Cleveland, WarwickshireBEST: Staffordshire, Northumbria, City of London, Dorset, Dyfed-Powys, Hertfordshire, Lancashire, Leicestershire, North Wales, Surrey, West YorkshireBEST AND WORST WORST: Humberside, Northants, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, Cleveland, WarwickshireBEST: Staffordshire, Northumbria, City of London, Dorset, Dyfed-Powys, Hertfordshire, Lancashire, Leicestershire, North Wales, Surrey, West Yorkshire
This was the first full year new targets to improve resources spent on frontline policing had been in place, and this change was reflected in the "providing assistance" category. He said the three worst performing forces were receiving special assistance and were going in the right direction.
The report showed only a "slight improvement" of less than 1% in this area, compared with the previous 12 months. "There's still much to be done but they've made huge improvements and should be congratulated for it."
Mr McNulty denied the proposal to reorganise the police forces, which was later abandoned, had any negative impact on performance.
'Better protection'
Bob Jones, chairman of the Association of Police Authorities, said overall there were more excellent grades this year than last and fewer poor grades.
"Overall police performance has shown steady progress - which means an improved service for local people," he said.
"However, police authorities will want to work closely with all forces where they have room for improvement to enable them to advance standards yet further.
"For example, there is more work that can be done to ensure that vulnerable people are better protected."
The report showed 1% more resources were spent on frontline policing, compared with the previous 12 months.
It said: "While the results show a slight improvement, from 62.3% in 2004/05 to 63.2% in 2005/06, this is equivalent to an additional 1,186 full-time officers carrying out front line duties."It said: "While the results show a slight improvement, from 62.3% in 2004/05 to 63.2% in 2005/06, this is equivalent to an additional 1,186 full-time officers carrying out front line duties."