POLICE have been told to improve their public image.

West Yorkshire has been given a target to increase public confidence in the police by 14% over the next three years.

The target has been set by the Home Office.

Surveys show the current level of confidence is at 44% and should be 58% by March 2012.

Public confidence in policing is measured using the British Crime Survey. This is an independent survey which measures levels of crime and public attitudes to crime as well as other criminal justice issues.

Clr Mark Burns-Williamson, police authority chairman, said: “The introduction of the single target will help police authorities and forces to really focus on what matters most to local people.”