Praise for South Yorkshire Police force in annual report

The report looks at the state of policing nationally, but in it HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Thomas Winsor references and praises some of the work of South Yorkshire Police.

South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings said: “I welcome the Chief Inspector’s findings in the report.

“The past year has posed many unforeseen challenges for South Yorkshire Police, even without the coronavirus, and the force has responded commendably.

“The force managed the protests which have taken place in our area following on from the death of George Floyd. Protesters made their points and we did not see the kind of violence or disorder that blighted many other parts of the country.

“South Yorkshire Police have been particularly mentioned in the report with regards to the response to the flooding in South Yorkshire – the most devastating floods since 2007. Officers worked tirelessly to help those whose lives were turned upside down and worked side by side with the Fire and Rescue service.”

The Chief Inspector also commended the way the police work with local universities.

Dr Billings continues: “But looking to the future, one of the biggest issues the Chief Inspector draws attention to is the growth of those with mental health issues.

“I would like to see the Government take notice of the strain that cuts to mental health services place on policing. Because mental health services are not always available, the police are often left to deal with people and do the best they can. But they are not medically trained. Very often police involvement is not what people need, they need help and support in their time of crisis, and unfortunately an arrest may not be helpful.”

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