Chief constable's first year

Our Chief Constable, Stephen Otter, marks the anniversary of his first year in the force today. It has been a dramatic year for us all, across the force and in Plymouth. We are building a sense of confidence in the force and pushing ourselves to deliver more and better for our communities.
Across Devon & Cornwall we have seen a decrease in the crime rate and increases in satisfaction rates, public confidence and crime detection. From January to December 2007, the annual number of crimes recorded in Devon and Cornwall fell from over 74,000 to less than 69,000. Over the same time period, the crime detection rate has risen from less than 25.5% to more than 27.5% and victims of crime who are 'satisfied' by the level of service offered by the Force has risen from 78.2% to 83.5%.
While doing this, as part of the Chief Constable's commitment to "to provide a better performing police service at a lower cost" we are set to meet our annual savings target of £5.1 million by the end of the 2007/08 financial year.
In Plymouth we have concentrated on Neighbourhood Policing. For example, the introduction of a network of local community meetings, under the banner of 'Partners and Communities Together (PACT). These have improved our links with our communities and have helped to improve the quality of life for many residents.
Public confidence in the police is improving. According to the British Crime Survey in December 2006, 52.9% of people surveyed in Devon and Cornwall were 'satisfied' with their local police service. By June 2007 (the latest available figures), the satisfaction rate had risen to 55.6%. There is always more to do, but we are determined to be increasingly responsive to local needs.
During 2007 Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) reviewed us and reported which showed that the Force was making very positive improvements. In September 2007, the Force was awarded the national Charter Mark award for excellent customer service by demonstrating best practice in 13 areas across six criteria.
During Mr Otter's first year the force also dealt with:
* January saw the grounding the grounding of the MSC Napoli off the
coast of Branscombe.
* In August, the fire at Penhallow Hotel in Newquay which tragically
claimed the life of three people.
* In November, a major operation took place to rescue and protect
victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation. At least eight people were arrested and 12 women were identified as working within these premises. Approximately £12,000 in cash was also seized.
* A dedicated 'Force day of action' took place on November 3 which saw
hundreds of police personnel take to the streets in a campaign to reduce crime and the fear of crime through a mixture of education and enforcement.
* The potential for large scale public disorder was averted in the
run-up and aftermath of the local football derby between Plymouth Argyle and Bristol City in early December with the largest deployment of personnel on operation in Devon and Cornwall for over 10 years.
* Most sadly, in Plymouth last week, we responded to the explosion in
Southway and the tragic death of Stephanie Hammacott.

Mr Otter has spoken to the press today. He said: "I am very pleased by the performance of this Force since my arrival 12 months ago. The results are a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by all staff at the Constabulary. Without the commitment shown by the officers and staff, we would be unable to achieve the reduction in the crime rate and the increase both public satisfaction and crime detection rates. Engaging with local communities is especially important in the Force's delivery of Neighbourhood Policing. Only through listening to people's concerns and liaising with other frontline professionals can we achieve workable solutions to tackle local issues. Although significant improvements have been made to our police service, it is vital that we do not get complacent. That is why my vision for the next year is to create a unified and dedicated police force that places public service at the heart of everything that it does.
I am committed to releasing more officers back to the frontline this year, so that we can keep building on the successes that we have achieved thus far."
Plymouth's Perspective
During the time of the new Chief Constable's leadership of the force, there have been considerable changes in Plymouth. In the twelve months from January 2007 to December 2007 the annual number of crimes recorded in Plymouth fell by over 8%. Particularly positive results have been a continuing decrease in domestic burglary and vehicle crime, and significant reductions in crimes of criminal damage and violence. Over the same time period the overall crime detection rate rose from 23.5% to 25.3%.