Overall, Merseyside Police Authority is performing adequately. It provides clear independent leadership to Merseyside Police and this supports an increasing emphasis on improving public confidence and neighbourhood policing.
The authority’s priorities reflect the views of local people, and its strength in this area comes from listening to all communities – including those from vulnerable groups.
Working with the police force.
The authority has strong relationships with the police force, and strikes a good balance between support and challenge. This allows it to add value, contributing to the improving performance of the police force by helping it to:
- bolster front-line policing;
- reduce crime;
- improve public confidence; and
- plan for longer term challenges.
Despite this strong relationship, the authority also values its independence from the police. However, it has more to do to build its capacity in this area – including further skilling up its Executive Office to help tackle future spending priorities and developing a separate identity with partners and the media