A ground-breaking partnership to provide police custody and medical services in Cleveland has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
The partnership between Cleveland Police Authority and Reliance Secure Task Management -- which has delivered major improvements in custody operations as well enabling 36 police officers to be transferred to bolster protective services -- is among the finalists in this year's Association for Public Service Excellence Awards.
The awards attracted over 400 entries from public service organisations and Police Authority Chair, Councillor Dave McLuckie, is delighted that Cleveland is the only police authority to reach the shortlist.
He explains "The Association is dedicated to improving standards in the public services and the fact that our partnership with Reliance is among the finalists for the awards demonstrates our commitment to modernising the way in which we deliver services to meet the challenges of modern-day policing.
"Since the partnership came into operation there have been very significant benefits -- not least releasing a significant number of police officers for key operational duties. In addition the times for detainees being registered and 'booked in' has increased -- and the speeding up of arrangements for identity parades has increased positive identifications to ten per cent above the national average."
Says Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price "I am delighted that our partnership has been recognised in this way. It is a great example of a public/private team being able to deliver better service and standards whilst at the same time freeing up officers for frontline duties."
The winners of the APSE awards will be announced at the organisation's Annual Seminar at Cardiff International Arena next Thursday, September 10th.