A REPORT into North Yorkshire Police has claimed not enough attention is being paid to victim surveys and improve crime-recording processes.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), investigated 43 police forces around the country to look at the way crime was recorded and the way it dealt with.

The report said: "The force has been consistent with its clear message there should be a victim-centred approach to crime recording, crime outcomes and no-crime decisions. This is reflected in crime recording policies, strategies and procedures where they exist. However this doesn't always translate into consistent practice.

Most frontline members of staff, including call-takers, understand the victim-centred approach and are police, professional and helpful. The force routinely carries out surveys of people who report incidents and crime however there is little evidence that this is used to inform work to improve crime-recording processes."

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, has pledged to work with the public and victims of crime to improve the way police engage with them.

She said: "Policing is about more than the numbers. It is how we deal with people that matters. This is clearly also the public's priority as they have firmly told me that supporting vulnerable people as their number one priority.

"Victims need to have absolute confidence that when they come forward, they will be responded to properly. In the case of some crimes, such as sexual and domestic abuse, it can be very difficult for victims to report what has happened. I am therefore determined to see services to victims enhanced and there is still much more we can do to ensure people who report a crime get the help they need, as well as justice they deserve.