CUMBRIA'S police force is good at making sure officers behave ethically and lawfully, says a national watchdog.

The county force has also been given the thumbs up in the way it keeps people safe and reduces crime in a legitimate way.

The results are among those in the latest checks carried out across the country by inspectors.

These focused on how legitimate forces were in their actions - covering subjects such as whether people are treated with fairness and respect.

Cumbria was given an overall judgment that it was good, a rating achieved by 34 others.

The checks were carried out by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

Mike Cunningham, HM Inspector of Constabulary, said: "Cumbria Constabulary is judged to be good at legitimately keeping people safe and reducing crime.

"Leaders have ensured the workforce has a good understanding of what it means to treat people with fairness and respect, reinforced through appropriate training.

"Robust processes are in place for scrutiny of coercive powers such as stop and search.

"Data is analysed to improve interactions with the public, though there is an opportunity to improve this further through better use of body-worn video cameras.

"The constabulary is also good at ensuring that its workforce behaves ethically and lawfully."

Mr Cunningham said ethical decision-making formed part of the force’s priorities - and decisions were appropriately reviewed.

He added: "Cumbria Constabulary’s approach to treating its workforce with fairness and respect is good."

County crime commissioner, Peter McCall, welcomed the results.

He said: "I believe this recognises quite rightly the hard work and commitment demonstrated by police officers, community support officers and police staff doing a difficult job to keep us safe.

"Despite real pressures on demand and resource, Cumbria police continue to provide excellent service and deserve credit for this."

Nationally, Kent Police was the only force to be graded outstanding. Six forces were said to "require improvement".


Who are the inspectors behind the report?

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services is an independent inspecting body.

It inspects policing in the public interest.

The inspectorate assesses and reports on the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces to tackle crime and terrorism.

It also shines the spotlight on how to improve criminal justice and raise confidence.

Officials inspect all 43 police forces in England and Wales, together with other major policing and law enforcement bodies.

In July it took on responsibility for fire and rescue service inspections.