Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s (HMIC) assessed each of the 43 forces in England and Wales to see how effective they were at keeping people safe and reducing crime.
Durham was the only one to receive an overall grade of ‘outstanding’.
Not only that, but out of the eight ‘outstandings’ awarded across all categories, Durham secured four.
In the individual areas assessed, the force was deemed ‘outstanding’ at preventing crime and anti-social behavior.
It also was graded ‘outstanding’ tackling serious and organised crime.
Likewise, Durham Constabulary was deemed ’outstanding’ at investigating crime and managing offenders.
Meanwhile, the force was graded ‘good’ at protecting the vulnerable.
Mike Cunningham, from the HMIC, said: The work that Durham Constabulary is doing to keep people safe and reduce crime is outstanding.
It is the only police force in England and Wales that has received this judgment from HMIC for this inspection and deserves to be commended.
He added: There is a strong focus at all levels on effectively carrying out investigations into crime in Durham Constabulary.
The service to victims of crime is seen as being very important and we found that officers in Durham demonstrated a commitment to a high level of victim care, which included regular contact to update the victim on progress in their case.
The constabulary uses all its resources to tackle serious and organised crime. Frontline policing teams have been assigned different organised crime groups to monitor in order to gather intelligence and disrupt their criminality.
Chief Constable Mike Barton said: Once again we are adjudged to be at the pinnacle of policing and the benchmark for others to follow.
I was absolutely delighted when the force was identified as being the best in the country last year so to maintain that standing is even more impressive.
This is a massive pat on the back for everyone who works for the Force.
I hope every employee has an extra spring in their step today because it is their continued professionalism and dedication which has put the force in a fantastic position for the future.
Ron Hogg, Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner said: I would like to congratulate all members of Durham Constabulary on these terrific results.
To achieve such a glowing report in the current austere times is really impressive.
I think the people of County Durham and Darlington can be confident that they are being served by the best police forces in the country.
The difficult job for the force is to maintain this gold standard. I am here to make sure that everything possible is being done to ensure that happens.
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