Cambridgeshire PEEL 2014
Efficiency
How well the force delivers value for money
To what extent is the force efficient?
Cambridgeshire Constabulary is working to develop a greater understanding of demand, and has plans to manage future demand in collaboration with Bedfordshire Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary.
Performance has improved, with reductions in crime and a higher number of victims satisfied with the service they received than for England and Wales as a whole.
To what extent is the force taking steps to ensure a secure financial position for the short and long term?
The force has a strong track record of achieving savings and adding these to reserves for specific purposes or to assist with future budget gaps.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary has clear plans in place to achieve a balanced budget for 2014/15 and is refining plans for 2015/16.
A joint medium-term financial plan developed with Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire is a clear signal of the commitment to future collaboration and the desire to achieve savings across the three forces. Future plans are being made and are based on prudent and realistic assumptions.
To what extent has the force got an affordable way of providing policing?
Extensive collaborative arrangements are in place and are aimed at improving efficiency and realising further savings. Programme Metis plans to improve IT services. It is being led by Cambridgeshire on behalf of the three forces. The force has piloted the use of 154 tablets for mobile working which has freed up each officer’s time by up to an hour each day.
There is a clear drive to reduce non-pay costs. Savings in this area, along with those made through collaboration and procurement, have contributed to the overall savings requirement.
Senior leadership in the force is effective, highly visible, and, with good use of communications, is helping to improve its culture.