Essex Police Ranked Worst In England & Wales For Complaints

8 December 2016, 08:23 | Updated: 8 December 2016, 08:27

Essex Police have been ranked the worst in England and Wales for victim satisfaction in the past year.

The police watchdog the HMIC has released figures today with stats showing only 88% of victims were satisfied with their overall treatment by Essex Police.

The report read: "In the 12 months to 31 March 2016, 88.5% of all victims of crime (excluding hate crime) who responded to the victim satisfaction survey were satisfied with the overall treatment provided by Essex Police, which was lower than the England and Wales average of 93.4%; and lower than the 92.2% who were satisfied with the overall treatment provided in the 12 months to 31 March 2015. This is a statistically significant difference."

"Essex Police recorded 290 public complaint cases per 1,000 officers which is broadly in line with the average in England and Wales of 268 cases per 1,000 officers."

"The most recent Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) data from forces show that, for April, May and June 2016, the types of complaint most frequently recorded by Essex Police are ‘other neglect or failure in duty’ and ’incivility, impoliteness and intolerance’."

Commenting on today’s reports, Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: "Being a police officer is a privilege and it’s crucial that we use and are seen to use our policing powers fairly and with respect. Modern policing also needs strong leadership throughout the ranks to embed the values we need the public to experience when they encounter us.

"Today’s important reports demonstrate that, in challenging times for policing, Essex Police operates with a strong ethical culture that treats people fairly, puts victims first and equips officers to lead teams working every day to prevent harm and solve crime.

"The reports highlight that we are working hard to improve the public’s confidence in us and to ensure victims of crime are satisfied with the help we provide. We also attach great importance within the force to embed the fairness and ethical conduct that I know the public expect of us.

"I am pleased the reports have set out the good work we’ve been doing, but I will never be complacent about policing and safety in Essex. In Basildon last week I spoke to people who are rightly concerned about their community and I know that concern is shared in other parts of the county. These independent reports tell the public what we’re good at and show that we have never been better prepared to respond to those concerns while prioritising the incidents that cause most harm.”