West Yorkshire Police praised for fighting serious crime
West Yorkshire Police has been rated ‘outstanding’ at tackling serious and organised crime.
In its report out today (December 18), His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) commended the force for its exceptional approach to tackling crimes including drug dealing, money laundering, modern day slavery, online crime and fraud.
These crimes are complex, often targeting and exploiting the most vulnerable and causing harm and misery in local communities.
HMICFRS inspectors praised Programme Precision, an initiative launched to enable police and partners to work together to tackle the threat and risk posed by criminals. The report said that police have demonstrated that fighting serious crime is their priority and have a clear plan to reduce it.
T/Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jones said: “I welcome the inspectorate’s findings. Programme Precision is about partnership working to tackle the threat of serious and organised crime.
“By working closely with our local authority partners, third sector and our communities, we target the criminals and the criminal networks that pose the biggest threat to those communities and ensure that West Yorkshire is a safer place for everyone.”
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, said: “I am pleased to see that West Yorkshire Police has been rated ‘outstanding’ for its work tackling serious organised crime.
“These criminals blight communities and destroy lives, so it’s vital we work in partnership to address this issue.
“The force’s specialist teams, innovative approaches, and initiatives like Clear, Hold, Build are making a real difference in making West Yorkshire a safer, fairer place for all and it is good to see those efforts recognised.”
The inspectors said the way the force’s Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) team is managed is strong and well organised.”
Detective Superintendent Marie Bulmer, head of Serious and Organised Crime at West Yorkshire Police, said: “Our teams work tirelessly to dismantle organised crime networks and protect vulnerable people.
“Tackling serious and organised crime is complex and requires collaboration, innovation, and persistence.
“I’m proud of the dedication shown by our officers and staff every day, and am pleased that our determination, innovation and commitment to dealing with organised crime wherever it exists has been reflected by this inspection.”