Sussex Police has been rated good in an official inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC).
The inspection was part of a national programme of inspections known as the Peel (police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy) programme.
The HMIC report said: “Throughout 2015, HMIC’s Peel inspection programme has assessed the culture within Sussex Police and how this is reflected in the force’s public engagement, use of taser (electric shock weapon) and compliance with the ‘best use of stop and search’ scheme.
“The force was making good efforts in creating and maintaining an ethical culture.
“Decision-making by taser-trained officers is fair and appropriate and the force is complying with the best use of stop and search scheme.
“This is the first time HMIC has graded forces on their legitimacy, so no year-on-year comparison is possible.”
The force welcomed the verdict and said: “Sussex Police has been recognised as good for creating and maintaining an ethical culture and working well to engage with the people it serves.
“HM Inspectorate of Constabulary’s PEEL report reflects the many positive things the inspection team found – that Sussex Police is good at consulting with communities and treating people fairly and with respect.
“It also focuses on two aspects of policing where policing must particularly demonstrate fairness if it is to be seen as operating legitimately – stop and search and the use of taser.
“HMIC found that the use of tasers is fair and appropriate and that Sussex Police complies with all aspects of the best use of stop and search scheme.”
Chief Constable Giles York said: “I am delighted that our service is assessed as good throughout this report and acknowledge the work of Deputy Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney as lead on integrity and professionalism across the county.”
DCC Pinkney said: “HMIC recognises a number of real strengths that we are rightly proud of and they are thanks to the hard work of officers, staff and volunteers.
“We are committed to fairness, impartiality and integrity in all that we do and strive to deliver our services in a way that enhances the confidence of the communities we serve.
“We build trust and confidence with the communities we serve by effectively addressing their concerns.
“The inspectors highlighted that neighbourhood policing teams have a good understanding of their local communities and that we gather people’s views on policing with regular surveys that gauge their level of satisfaction and provide them with information relevant to them.
“When you contact us our call takers and front desk staff are there to support you and I’m pleased to say that HMIC highlights how ‘officers and staff treat people fairly and with respect’.
“A resolution centre is also being rolled out that is enabling callers to gain timely advice and resolution at the earliest opportunity. The phone and online service is already proving popular.”
Sussex Police said: “The report recognises the force’s commitment to developing volunteering in support of local policing.
DCC Pinkney said: “The force’s progressive volunteering programme offers a range of opportunities for people to give their time to help keep Sussex safe.
“I am truly grateful to all volunteers coming forward, bringing experience and diversity to the workforce and making a real difference.”
Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne said it was “very rewarding to see the good rating of Sussex Police by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and particularly pleasing that HMIC recognised the progress made on stop and search”.
Mrs Bourne said: “The relationship between the public and police is core to delivering an effective and trusted policing service.
“The police need to understand how the communities they serve feel so a commitment by chief officers to regular consultation and engagement is essential to shape their approach and constantly improve.
“The supportive role of volunteers was also recognised, so our Youth and Elders Commission members will be pleased to see their valuable community consultation and communication activity highlighted in the report.”
THIS IS THE BIGGEST JOKE I’VE EVER HEARD .. FIRSTLY THEY REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE THE DEATH OF MY FATHER .. SO I HAD TO INVESTIGATE .. I HAVE FOUND POTENTIALLY 8,000 UNEXPLAINED DEATHS AT THE HOSPICE WHICH KILLED MY FATHER .. CQC FIGURES .. AND SUSSEX POLICE REFUSE TO INVESTIGATE THEM .. THEY ARE NOW REFUSING TO REPLY TO ANY OF MY E-MAILS & PHONE CALLS.