Cumbria Police is one of only two forces in the country to have its crime recording arrangements officially rated as “outstanding”.

The national watchdog that oversees UK police forces - Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary & Fire & Rescue Services - praised the Cumbrian force for having comprehensive crime recording practices, which ensure more than 93 per cent of all reported crimes were recorded.

The inspection highlighted the force’s commitment to accurate and timely crime recording, with officers and staff displaying an increased level of knowledge and understanding in this area.

Specific improvements highlighted include:

n Establishing a crime management support unit to quality assure, audit, classify and cancel recorded crime;

n Improved training programmes for officers and staff involved in crime recording decisions;

n And enhanced governance arrangements and supervisory.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Phil Gormley said the inspection showed the Cumbrian force has an outstanding approach to crime recording.

He said: “We last carried out an inspection into the force’s crime recording capabilities in 2014. As a result of that inspection, we gave the force several recommendations for improvement.”

The latest inspection, one of 34 that were carried out last year, showed that the Cumbrian force has successfully implemented the recommendations contained in our 2014 report.

“In addition,” continued Mr Gormley, “it has also applied the recommendations of a 2014 national action plan on crime recording. These achievements, along with the force’s own measures, have resulted in an increased recording rate for all types of reported crime.

“We were especially pleased to see the force achieving an exceptional crime-recording standard for sexual offences and was found to have recorded every report we audited during our inspection.

“This is particularly encouraging and should give confidence to victims of these crimes to report them.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall described the Cumbrian force as “dedicated and incredibly profession”.

“This truly is an exceptional report,” he said. “Only one other force in the country has had this outstanding grade and it is a testament to the excellent leadership of the chief constable and her team.

“It is incredibly important that crime recording is carried out correctly to understand the real picture as to what crime is taking place, to ensure the right response from the police is provided and the best possible service to victims and people of Cumbria.

“This outstanding grade from HMICFRS, the experts who inspect every force in the country, confirms we in Cumbria are very well serviced by our police officers and staff at all levels.

“We have a dedicated and incredibly professional force.”