The report by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary looks at how efficient Cheshire Police are at reducing crime and keeping communities safe and how prepared they are for future financial challenges.

The inspection, which took place in May, focused on how efficient Cheshire Constabulary is at keeping people safe and reducing crime.

This was measured against three key areas – how well the force uses its resources to meet its requirements, how sustainable and affordable the workforce model is and how sustainable the force’s financial position is for the short and long term.

The force was rated ‘outstanding’ for two of these areas and good for the third.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “This is great news for Cheshire Constabulary and recognises the hard work and achievements of every officer and member of staff. This is a first for the force and something that we should all feel very proud of.

“In a period of sustained budget reductions, it is critically important for every police force to make efficiencies while focusing on reducing crime and keeping communities safe. What matters to the people of Cheshire is the number of police officers on the streets and, as a result of the changes implemented, 130 extra police officers are being re-directed back to the front line and 53 extra are being recruited.”

As part of its annual PEEL inspections (into Police Efficiency, Effectiveness and Legitimacy) HMIC reviewed both the financial and workforce planning of all forces whilst examining the wider issues of cost, capability and productivity.

The review stated that Cheshire has a good understanding of its requirements and has processes in place to make informed choices about resources and levels of service across every business area.

Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire Mr John Dwyer added: “The HMIC report signifies great news for the people of Cheshire. Working together with the Chief Constable we are shaping the Constabulary, which keeps the people of Cheshire safe and works to the highest levels of efficiency.

“Investment is being made in recruiting more officers. Additional officers are being put back on the beat and PCSO numbers are being maintained in our local communities – this is what the public have told me they want. Investment is also going into making sure the Constabulary has the technology it needs for the future. All this whilst meeting our saving targets – this is unique, this is outstanding.

“The result for our communities is that Cheshire has a police force which delivers for victims, delivers in protecting the public, invests in its future and is in the best possible position to meet the challenges of today and those to come.”

One key element of Cheshire’s inspection highlighted the use of Priority Based Budgeting – a tried and tested idea used in the private sector, which has helped the force to marry more effectively its resources to demand.

The review states that Cheshire has effectively strengthened local policing at a time when many other forces are considering withdrawing from neighbourhoods due to budget cuts.