South Yorkshire Police "to be commended" for its improvement in way it keeps people safe

It is a step up from the previous assessment of the force as requiring improvement.

The latest report by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service (HMICFRS) looked at how the police were keeping people safe, reducing crime and how the leadership team were shaping force culture.

South Yorkshire Police was found to be “good” at treating people with fairness and respect, and ensuring its workforce behaves ethically and lawfully.

But was found to "need improvement" in how it treats its workforce with fairness and respect.

The report said South Yorkshire Police had “strong, ethical leadership” and “understands the importance of treating people with fairness and respect and continues to emphasise the standard of behaviour it expects from the workforce.”

It also said the force “has a good understanding of how to use its coercive powers fairly and respectfully. Its use of stop and search powers is also good.”

Chief Constable Stephen Watson of South Yorkshire Police welcomed the findings.

He said: “This report and rating shows a real turning point for South Yorkshire Police and is a testament to the positive efforts of our officers and staff, who are working so hard to see the force improve.

“This report, while focusing considerably on the internal workings of South Yorkshire Police, is an important one. In order to build the public’s trust and confidence in the force, we must ensure we are supporting our officers and staff to be as good as they can be.

“To have an external organisation examine us in detail, and find us to be good is the first tangible reflection of our progress so far.”

HM Inspector of Constabulary Mike Cunningham said: “I am pleased to report that South Yorkshire Police has improved the legitimacy with which it keeps people safe and reduces crime. Last year the force was judged as requiring improvement; this year it is judged to be good. This is to be commended.

“The force understands the importance of treating people with fairness and respect and continues to emphasise the standard of behaviour it expects from the workforce. The force seeks feedback from those who use its services and encourages external advisory groups to examine its work closely.

“The force provides the public with clear, useful and accessible information about how to make a complaint. It is good also at keeping complainants updated and it supplies them with the relevant statutory information and the findings once a complaint has been resolved. The force also identifies, responds to and investigates allegations of discrimination well.

“The force has some improvements to make to ensure it has processes in place to allow for the early identification of and support for staff wellbeing issues. The force responds well to concerns and grievances raised by staff.”