Northamptonshire PEEL 2014

Northamptonshire Police uses a variety of tools and approaches to identify demand, and takes into account the need to meet new demand such as cyber-crime. The police and crime commissioner has established the Public Safety, Crime and Justice Institute with the University of Northampton which will, in the future, look to establish other ways to manage demand as well as developing evidence-based approaches to more effective policing. The force has achieved an improved recorded crime performance in comparison with last year and has achieved a 12 percent reduction over the 12 months to March 2014, which is higher than other forces. Over the same period victim satisfaction has increased and is higher than in other forces.

Northamptonshire Police has an established track record of achieving its savings targets. The force has developed savings plans for 2014/15 and 2015/16; these are realistic and achievable. Although there is a small projected deficit of £0.3m in 2015/16 this is not a cause for concern and the force is confident that it will close the gap. The force has assumed a period of continuing austerity and is developing plans up to 2018/19.

Northamptonshire Police has well-established collaborative arrangements in place with other forces, which have already resulted in considerable savings. The force has plans to engage in further collaboration within the region. The force is also pursuing collaboration with Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and looking how the two organisations can practically work more closely in frontline service provision. Key to enabling the force to have sufficient staff to meet demand is through the use of the special constabulary and volunteers. An ambitious recruitment programme for specials will see numbers increase significantly over the spending review.