Force is top of the cops

Greater Manchester Police is one of the top forces in the UK when dealing with major crime, according to a national report.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) found the force to “exceed the standard” expected of them — the highest rating available. It was one of only four of the UK’s 42 forces to be given this accolade.

The report assesses Greater Manchester’s capacity to anticipate, respond, prevent and investigate major crimes, including homicide, attempted murder, gun crime, rape, abductions, blackmail and kidnap.

It says GMP’s Serious Crime Division has “an enviable record in addressing the most serious crime and criminals.”

Divisional head, Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Heywood, said: “This report is testament to the hard work and professionalism of all officers and staff who work in this most challenging of arenas.”

Life-threatening and gun crime was reduced last year by 5.24 per cent, murders dropped by 2.21 per cent, and murders detected improved from 82.6 per cent in 2006 to 91.1 per cent in 2007.

Detections or convictions for rape rose 4.5 per cent.