More about this area

The force says...

Merseyside Police serves a population of around 1.5 million people. This is swelled by a large student population and visitors to elite sporting events, conference and exhibition centres, and tourist attractions – including Premier League and rugby league fixtures, the Grand National, Labour Party Conference, and the International Music Festival. The region hosts a major sea and airport as well as high-security prisons and detention centres. Combined, these factors generate significant threats and risks which include the policing of large scale public order events.

Despite investment, all five local authorities are amongst the most deprived in England and Wales. Deprivation and high unemployment are underlying factors in the causes of criminality within the region.

Varied and complex policing challenges are reflected in the force’s priorities:

• Prevent crime and anti social behaviour;
• Provide visible, accessible neighbourhood policing;
• Tackle serious and organised crime;
• Support victims, protect vulnerable people and maintain public safety; and
• Improve road safety.

Demands placed upon the force are significant. On average, the force deals with almost 1 million calls for service per year, of which approximately 250,000 are 999 calls. On a typical day there will be 340 crimes and 1,246 incidents recorded, 32 people reported missing and 143 vulnerability risk assessments completed. In addition, the force tackles approximately 154 organised crime groups involving over 2,692 members whose criminal activities reach far beyond the force.

The force allocates its resources to meet demand in accordance with daily assessments of threat, harm and risk and by focusing on putting the needs of the community first, the early identification of vulnerability and the provision of appropriate support.  Balancing these demands with reduced resources presents significant challenges, particularly regarding mental health, child abuse, cyber crime, modern slavery and human trafficking, which have contributed towards the increasing complexity of crime.

Disclaimer: the above statement has been prepared by Merseyside Police. The views and information in it are not necessarily those of HMICFRS.