Concerns over how long it takes Greater Manchester Police to attend incidents

The HM Inspector of Constabulary Force Assessments found the police force, which covers Bolton to be good at keeping people safe and reducing crime.

Greater Manchester Police has been found to be "outstanding" in tackling serious and organised crime — but concerns were raised over how long it takes officers to attend reports of crime.

Michael Cunningham, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, reported: "I am pleased with the overall performance of Greater Manchester Police. However, the force still needs to improve some aspects of its service.

"Greater Manchester Police is good at preventing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour. The force has strengthened its commitment to neighbourhood policing through its new operating model.

"It uses information from across the force and from other local partners to understand the threats to the people of Greater Manchester.

"The force is outstanding in tackling serious and organised crime. Frontline staff have a comprehensive understanding of their role in disrupting crime groups. Partnership arrangements are very well developed, and there is a clear commitment to working together to target those who cause the greatest harm.

"Since our inspection in 2014, the force has made some efforts to improve the accuracy with which it records crime, but there is much more to do. In particular, I remain very concerned about the time it takes for officers to attend reports of crime. I am also concerned about the supervision of crime recording and inaccuracies in initial crime-recording decisions – failures that are linked to the limitations of the force’s computer systems.

"There are some areas of good practice in the force’s approach to supporting vulnerable victims: it is effective in identifying at an early stage those who may be vulnerable and makes good use of legislation to place restrictions on perpetrators.

"However, there are sometimes unacceptable delays in attending incidents and in referring vulnerable victims to the services provided by other organisations."

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: "Policing Greater Manchester is complex and challenging so it is pleasing to receive three good ratings from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC).

"The Efficiency, Effectiveness and Integrity reports all recognised the significant work taking place to transform policing in Greater Manchester.

"We have an ambitious programme underway to ensure that, despite £183m budget cuts and a further £44m to be found by 2020, we will continue to provide the best possible service.

"It has seen the introduction of smartphones, tablets and body worn video to support frontline officers as well as the creation of integrated teams bringing the police and other agencies together.

"With 2,000 fewer police officers the changes are vital if we are going to be able to continue to tackle serious and organised criminals and help the most vulnerable in our communities. We all need to play our part in helping to keep Greater Manchester safe.

"I am pleased that the inspection reports have recognised GMP's commitment to neighbourhood policing and that people can have confidence that officers are spending time on this vital work.

"A major public consultation is underway at the moment to ask people their views about the changes being made and how they can help. We have already had more than 1,000 responses and every bit of feedback we get will be considered as we continue to make the changes.

"I am proud of the contribution of officers and staff which has led to a report that on the whole is positive about the work taking place and policing in Greater Manchester. We have achieved a lot in the past 18 months but there is still a lot to do."

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: ⿿Policing Greater Manchester is complex and challenging so it is pleasing to receive three good ratings from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC). The Efficiency, Effectiveness and Integrity reports all recognised the significant work taking place to transform policing in Greater Manchester.

"We have an ambitious programme underway to ensure that, despite £183m budget cuts and a further £44m to be found by 2020, we will continue to provide the best possible service. It has seen the introduction of smartphones, tablets and body worn video to support frontline officers as well as the creation of integrated teams bringing the police and other agencies together.

"With 2,000 fewer police officers the changes are vital if we are going to be able to continue to tackle serious and organised criminals and help the most vulnerable in our communities. We all need to play our part in helping to keep Greater Manchester safe.

"I am pleased that the inspection reports have recognised GMP's commitment to neighbourhood policing and that people can have confidence that officers are spending time on this vital work.

"A major public consultation is underway at the moment to ask people their views about the changes being made and how they can help. We have already had more than 1,000 responses and every bit of feedback we get will be considered as we continue to make the changes.

"I am proud of the contribution of officers and staff which has led to a report that on the whole is positive about the work taking place and policing in Greater Manchester. We have achieved a lot in the past 18 months but there is still a lot to do."