MERSEYSIDE Police has clear priorities to prevent and reduce crime, according to an inspection report published today.

The "Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy" (PEEL) review found most investigations are conducted thoroughly, with good levels of supervision by trained detectives.

The Merseyside force makes anti-social behaviour a priority and is becoming "increasingly victim-centred" in its approach.

Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary for the Northern Region, Michael Cunningham, said: “Merseyside has clear priorities to prevent and reduce crime. The force can clearly demonstrate how these priorities are reflected in resource allocation and activities.

"Its assessment of threat, risk and harm to communities enables the force to make appropriate decisions about how best to use its resources.

"Most investigations are conducted thoroughly, with good levels of supervision by trained detectives."

Mr Cunningham said the force understands vulnerability, and is becoming increasingly victim-centred in its approach to investigation.

But there is scope for Merseyside to enhance its ability to capture evidence of ‘what works’ in investigation, and use this knowledge to further improve the services it provides to victims of crime.

The domestic abuse inspection found the public in Merseyside could have confidence that, generally, the police provided a good service to victims of domestic abuse and helped keep them safe and staff demonstrated a high level of commitment and awareness; they exercised appropriate discretion and worked well with partners.

The ability of Merseyside to disrupt organised crime groups using a range of tactics is "a clear strength", and it also deals particularly well with serious sexual offending.

However, there is some inconsistency in the "quality of victim contact."

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: “I am pleased to see that inspectors have recognised the force’s drive to put victims at the centre of investigations, particularly in serious sexual offences.

"They have also highlighted the success of the force’s partnership work in reducing anti-social behaviour and Merseyside is one of 24 forces that have been graded as good at investigating crime."