Hertfordshire ranked best in the country on two key measures of public confidence in policing

Hertfordshire has been ranked the best police force in England and Wales on two key measures of public confidence in policing, according to the latest Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW).

The independent survey found that 59% of Hertfordshire residents believe their local police do an excellent or good job, compared to a national average of 49%. This was the highest score of all 43 police force areas in England and Wales.

The survey also found that 62% of Hertfordshire residents believe the police are dealing with the crime and anti-social behaviour issues that matter in their local area. This compares to a national average of 48% and was again the highest score of any police force area in the country.

Hertfordshire was the only force area to score above 60% on this measure.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales is one of the most respected measures of public confidence in policing and is based on independent interviews with members of the public carried out by the Office for National Statistics.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire Jonathan Ash-Edwards welcomed the findings and said they reflected the progress being made to improve policing services and deliver on residents' priorities.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police & Crime Commissioner, said:

“Public confidence has to be earned and to be ranked top nationally on these two critical measures is a significant achievement and reflects the hard work of police officers and staff.

“The results reflect the progress being made in Hertfordshire. Such as the 50,000 hours of additional high visibility hotspot patrols over the last two years, the fact that more crime is being solved and that 999 and 101 calls are now being answered much quicker.

“These results also call into question the need for the Government’s police force mergers, given the increasing effectiveness and public confidence in Hertfordshire as a standalone force.

“While things are moving in the right direction, there is still much to do and nobody should ever be complacent. I will continue advocating for the best possible policing for Hertfordshire”.

Andy Prophet, Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary, said:

"I am delighted that the hard of work of officers, staff and volunteers across Hertfordshire Constabulary is making such a positive difference for the people we serve. These independent survey results are taken directly from what victims of crime have said about their experience, so to see Hertfordshire as the best in the country for two such important measures is great to see. I am immensely proud of what has been achieved and remain ambitious about the future.”

The Police & Crime Commissioner said building public confidence in policing remains a key priority within his Police and Crime Plan, alongside tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, supporting victims, preventing young people from becoming involved in crime and improving the service residents receive when they contact the police.