THE West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner has described Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary’s (HMICFRS) report, published this week, as a “pleasing reflection” of the region’s police force.

The report, released on Thursday, assessed the constabulary as ‘good’ in terms of efficiency and described PCC John Campion’s investments in technology as an “ambitious and innovative change”.

The report said the constabulary “has a good understanding of current and likely future demand and continually assesses its ability to respond effectively”.

Its strategic alliance with Warwickshire Police was described as “a strength that has enabled both forces to make considerable savings”.

Upcoming developments, including new control rooms, as well as advances in technology, were described as “timely” in the report due to “operational pressures” which have led to “inefficient processes for call-handling and crime management”.

It went on to say: “The force is refining its new investigative model to improve how it manages crimes and transfer of investigations to officers with the right skills.”

The constabulary also received praise for the way it understands hidden harms and analyses trends in public demand, in order to allocate resources to where they are most needed.

The constabulary has seen a 16 per cent drop in its workforce since 2010, which is one per cent more than on a national level.

Mr Campion said: “I promised to deliver a police service which works efficiently for the communities of West Mercia, and this report is a pleasing reflection of what I see on a day to day basis, although clear improvements can still be made.

“The investments I have made to reform West Mercia Police through technology, will continue to make West Mercia Police more efficient, improving the service to the public and ensuring our communities get the help they need at the right time.

“We have good foundations to build on, and I am reassured that the police are committed to making further improvement,” he added.

This is HMICFRS’ fourth PEEL (police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy) assessment of the constabulary since 2014.

The assessment will be updated throughout the year with further inspection findings and reports, with West Mercia’s effectiveness and legitimacy for keeping people safe and reducing crime not yet graded.