40 per cent have no faith in police

Only four in 10 people have confidence in Greater Manchester Police to fight crime properly, according to new figures.

A survey by the Home Office has revealed that public confidence in police ability to investigate anti-social behaviour was 43.3% based on the 1,393 people surveyed.

Nationally 46% of those surveyed had confidence, but some parts of the country were just over a third.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she wanted to raise the target to 55% by 2011 and then 60% by 2012.

She said: “The police should be answering to the public, not the Government. That is why I have scrapped all but one central target for the police — to raise public confidence.”

But the Conservatives said the figures showed people wanted police back on the beat.

Shadow Policing Minister, David Ruffley said: “This underlines the real urgency of getting more police back on the beat to deter anti-social behaviour.”

GMP said it would not be commenting on their individual statistics.

Association of Chief Police Officers president, Chief Constable Sir Ken Jones said it was essential the public have trust and confidence in the police service and that perceptions of crime match reality.

He added: “It is equally important that the police treat people fairly and with respect, that the public believe the police are doing a good job, and that victims and witnesses are satisfied with the way the police have dealt with particular incidents.”