Tough targets in tough times

Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) logo

Police policy makers have laid down five aims for Greater Manchester’s Force (GMP) to focus on over the next four years.

Greater Manchester Police Authority agreed that the strategic aims for 2011-2015 for GMP will be to reduce crime, protect vulnerable people, reduce anti-social behaviour, strengthen visible local policing and deliver value for money.

A series of targets which sit under each aim were also agreed for 2011-2012. They will feature in the GMPA/GMP annual Policing Plan and have been derived from consultation with local people and partner agencies.

GMPA Chairman Councillor Paul Murphy said: “People have told us they want to be safe and feel safe in their communities. That’s why we’ve continued to put neighbourhood policing at the heart of the aims we’ve set.

“That doesn’t mean the Force will take an eye off the ball in other areas like counter-terrorism and serious and organised crime. These remain the foundation of protecting people from serious harm and the Authority will continue to demand improving performance across the board.”

Chief Constable Peter Fahy added: “We have made significant progress in reducing crime over the past year with 24,000 fewer victims of crime over the twelve months to January.

“Obviously this will be a more difficult year but by concentrating our activity where it will have most impact on persistent offenders we are determined to make every effort to reduce crime further.”

GMPA has robust scrutiny arrangements in place which ensure the performance of GMP is closely monitored and challenged.

The arrangements include monthly performance meetings between GMPA leaders and Chief Officers, regular sessions involving GMPA Members and divisional performance and continuous monitoring of performance trends.

Councillor Murphy said: “GMPA takes its role very seriously and Members do not shy away from challenging the Chief Constable and his team on behalf of local people.

“I am pleased that in recent months performance has gone from strength to strength and I know the Force is committed to ensuring this positive trend continues.

“I think it’s important to recognise however that the police alone cannot make Greater Manchester a safer place. Joint working needs to improve between local agencies in solving problems at a local level. The priorities and aims we have set are aimed at contributing to this.”

Targets which sit under the five aims include:

• Reduce overall crime by 7%
• Reduce domestic burglary by 5%
• Detect 14% of vehicle crimes
• Reduce the number of anti-social behaviour incidents by 4%
• Increase the % of people that think the police are doing a good job to 54%

GMPA is still actively considering partnership links to the Policing Plan and monitor progress against the targets both behind-the-scenes and in full Police Authority meetings which are open to the public.