Cumbria’s police force has been commended by the national police inspectorate.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said Cumbria Constabulary supports its workforce well and is effective at keeping people safe and reducing crime.

It graded Cumbria Constabulary’s performance across nine areas of policing and found that the constabulary was ‘outstanding’ in one area, ‘good’ in six areas and ‘adequate’ in two areas.

HMICFRS said the constabulary was outstanding at building, supporting and protecting its workforce.

Inspectors found that it prioritises officer and staff well-being and provides a supportive environment that helps new recruits to develop and stay with the force.

The inspectorate said that Cumbria Constabulary also works effectively with partner organisations to reduce violence against women and girls and to keep vulnerable people safe, with the force’s partnership project which provides support and safeguarding for people vulnerable to county lines exploitation cited as being exemplary of this

Inspectors also found that there had been improvements in the management and scrutiny of criminal investigations, but the constabulary could do more to achieve better outcomes for victims.

It also needs to strengthen the external scrutiny of its use of force and stop and search powers. 

His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Lee Freeman said: “I congratulate Cumbria Constabulary on its performance in keeping people safe and reducing crime.

“I was pleased to find improvements in the management and scrutiny of criminal investigations and to see the constabulary works well with partner organisations, charities and communities to solve local problems and to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour.

“However, more could be done to achieve even better outcomes for victims.

“The communicative and highly visible approach taken by the constabulary’s new leadership has been well received.

“Leaders have made considered changes and investments to make sure the constabulary has the right resources to meet its demand.

“They have continued to improve the services the constabulary provides to the public of Cumbria.

“While there remains room for further improvements, the progress we have seen during our inspection will provide a good foundation on which to build.”