SOUTH Yorkshire’s chief constable is hoping recent improvements in his force’s performance can act as a springboard to achieve ‘outstanding’ status in the next year.
The force has had well-documented problems which saw it put into ‘special measures’ during 2016 by government inspectors because of concerns about its performance in certain key areas.
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has now confirmed the force has moved into the ‘good’ category in the performance areas of effectiveness, legitimacy and leadership, meaning the force is now categorised as ‘good’ across the board.
However, Mr Watson believes the leaps forward his force has made recently can be sustained to the point where inspectors will recognise its performance as ‘outstanding’.
Its work on reintroducing neighbourhood policing, working against serious and organised crime and efficiency could all qualify for the top level assessment when the force is re-examined in future, with inspectors due to return in February.
He told councillors who make up the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel: “In the next 12 months, we may have our first ‘outstanding’ rating.
“I anticipate and hope for ‘outstanding’ in neighbourhood policing, serious and organised crime and efficiency. It would put us in the top five,” he said.
