Suffolk Police response call times rated inadequate

Suffolk Police says it is now "fully up to strength" in terms of staffing its control room

Suffolk Police has been rated inadequate in responding to calls from the public, after an inspection.

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services looked at the efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy of the police.

The force said it was putting resources behind technology to "improve access".

The inspector's report rated the force as "good" for police powers and public treatment, preventing crime and recording data about crime.

The report raised concerns about the time it took Suffolk's control room to answer calls related to the 101 non-emergency number.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher said he was "pleased with some aspects of the performance... in keeping people safe, reducing crime and providing victims with an effective service".

"However... I have concerns about how the constabulary is responding to the public and have been in contact with the chief constable as I do not underestimate how much improvement is needed," he added.

The county's Chief Constable Rachel Kearton said the report was good overall, but said they still had "some work to do".

"When you want the police you want to pick up the phone and speak to somebody; it is a service we have recognised for some time needs some improvement," she said.

"We've increased our staff; we're now fully up to strength with our staff numbers."

Suffolk Police was also rated good in three areas, adequate in three, and requires improvement in two

The force said it was putting resources behind technology and innovation to improve public access for those who do not want to use phones.

The chief constable said: "We prioritise calls to the demand at the time so sometimes people do have to wait, but we provide lots of other ways for people to let us know what's going on."

The inspection was carried out in April and graded the force in nine areas.

It was also rated "adequate" at investigating crime, developing a positive workplace, and in leadership and force management.

The force "required improvement" in the categories of protecting vulnerable people and managing offenders.

Mr Wilsher added: "I am pleased with the way the constabulary has responded to my concerns, and I will be monitoring progress closely."