Cumbria Police has been ranked the top force in England and Wales in most categories of a national survey that deals with people’s perceptions of crime and anti-social behaviour.
Officers and staff in the constabulary were rated number one nationally for understanding local concerns – and then dealing with them.
Residents’ responses placed the force joint top in terms of agreeing it can be relied on when needed.
As well as this, the force was the outright leader about treating people with respect - and joint top again for people agreeing they would be treated fairly.
Cumbria came first in England and Wales for overall confidence in local policing.
Chief Constable (Temporary) Darren Martland said: “These results are based on direct feedback from our communities, and I am pleased that the hard work of our officers and staff has been recognised by the communities they serve."
Recent examples of proactive policing aimed at tackling crime and keeping people safe, include:
- In June, police in Cumbria made 14 arrests and executed nearly 20 search warrants in a week-long initiative to tackle county lines drugs crime.
- More than 100 drink and drug drivers were arrested in Cumbria during July’s road safety operation.
- Recent crime figures have shown significant reductions in recorded burglaries and anti-social behaviour.
Mr Martland added: “Neighbourhood Policing teams are visible and tackle issues, such as anti-social behaviour, which really matter to our communities.
"I would like to pay tribute our officers and staff for their hard work and thank the public for their continued support in helping to keep Cumbria safe.”
David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner said: “This is testament to the hard work put into ensuring that we have good community contact by Cumbria Constabulary’s officers and staff.
"I have always stated that one of my number one aims is that Cumbria has the best police force in the country and one that is visible and one that is highly responsive to the needs of the population that it serves, so to hear this testimony from residents is fantastic.
“There is, of course, more still to do, and we will keep on providing ever more highly visible policing, named local officers and keep on stamping out anti-social behaviour and crime across all of our communities in Cumbria.”