HAMPSHIRE Constabulary is efficient at keeping people safe and reducing crime.

Following its annual PEEL assessment for effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy, carried out by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), the Hampshire and Isle of Wight force has been given a 'good' efficiency rating.

Inspectors found the force was good at understanding demand, using its resources to manage that demand and planning for the future.

According to the assessment, published earlier this month: "Overall, the force prioritises its activities well and has a good understanding of the effect of investments or cuts in resources on service provision or return on investment."

The force made good use of technology — by equipping officers with mobile technology, for example, and reducing the need for them to return to their base — and had developed strong working relationships with other organisations, such as the ambulance and fire services, and police forces, which resulted in improved services and cost savings.

The other two areas that make up the PEEL assessment, effectiveness and legitimacy, have yet to be graded. Last year, the force was rated 'good' for efficiency and legitimacy and 'requires improvement' for effectiveness, after serious concerns were raised about the way it treated domestic abuse victims and low arrest rates.