Police and Crime Landscape

The Humberside Police area covers four local authorities – both urban and rural – Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.

The area covers a population of 920,000 people.  It has a large port infrastructure and an international tourist, transport and trade network.

Amongst the population there are high levels of deprivation in urban areas and historically high levels of crime.  Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) provides an assessment of police performance.

Nationally, the police and crime landscape is constantly changing and is increasingly difficult and demanding.  High standards of conduct, strong leadership and professional expertise underpin the ability of the police to work effectively to tackle challenges around issues such as finance, bureaucracy, demands and workforce requirements.

There are 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales.  Each force is headed by a Chief Constable, who has final authority over all operational policing decisions and staff that the force employs.  Since November 2012, Chief Constables have reported to an elected PCC or Metro Mayor.

PCC’s must continue to balance competing demands on policing locally, regionally and nationally.  The Strategic Policing Requirement sets out those functions that all forces must continue to carry out, in addition to local priorities set by each PCC.  All forces have a role to play in national issues, e.g. serious organised crime.  We all know that criminals do not respect force boundaries.