Merseyside Police has been praised for preventing crime, but inspectors said it must improve investigations and outcomes for victims.
Michelle Skeer, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, said she was pleased with its performance in “keeping people safe, reducing crime and giving victims an effective service”.
However she added: “I have concerns about how the force is investigating crime.”
The force has received an “outstanding” rating for its preventing and deterring crime but its crime investigation “requires improvement”.
It was also rated good for leadership and force management, using powers fairly and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Responding to the public, safeguarding, managing fraud and providing safe custody were all graded adequate.
No areas were graded inadequate.