Report praises police efficiency

The HMIC rated the force outstanding for efficiency, good for effectiveness and good for legitimacy.

And HMI Mike Cunningham has given his assessment of the force: “The quality of crime investigation is generally good and the force works well to stop reoffending. I am very impressed by the force’s approach to financial management.

“It has achieved its planned savings and is exceptionally well prepared to face future financial challenges. It has a good understanding of the main elements of demand and uses its resources well.”

Chief Constable Steve Finnigan said he was pleased with result.

He said: “We know that the way to build confidence in our policing services is to have open, transparent and effective engagement with our communities and I am proud that Lancashire has been recognised as being outstanding in this area. We police by consent and this relationship is extremely important to us.

“I am constantly impressed with our workforce, and how officers and staff come to work every day dedicated to our mission to protect the public. We would not achieve such fantastic inspection results if it wasn’t for them and their dedication.

“This is even more noteworthy when considering the uncertainty policing was facing before Christmas due to funding pressures.”

The force was deemed to require improvement on the use of Stop and Search and Taser usage..

Mr Cunningham said: “In the year ahead I will be particularly interested to see how the force improves compliance with the Best Use of Stop and Search scheme and develops more accurate recording of taser use.”