Police forces across the UK, including Dorset, have launched the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service
It’s run by the independent charity Crimestoppers.
The service, which went live today, was established to give the public an anonymous and confidential route to report concerns about criminal behaviour by individuals in policing.
It will bolster the force’s capability to take action against those who are not fit to serve.
The Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service covers information relating to officers, staff and volunteers who:
- Provide information or influence in return for money or favours.
- Use their policing position for personal advantage – whether financial or otherwise.
- Cross professional boundaries or abuse their position for sexual purposes.
- Abuse or control their partner, or those they have a relationship with.
- Engage in racist, homophobic, misogynistic or disablist conduct, on or off duty, in person or online.
Crimestoppers will take reports from the public about individuals working within Dorset Police, as well as any police force in the UK, regardless of whether the information relates to them whilst they are on or off duty, online or in person.
Reports can be submitted online and telephone calls are free.
When people contact the service, they can choose to remain 100 per cent anonymous, or can opt to leave their details if they are willing for the force investigation team to contact them directly.
Information received by Crimestoppers will be passed to the force’s Counter Corruption Unit, who will assess it.
The force may then pass the information to specialist detectives to begin an investigation, take steps to safeguard someone at risk or in danger or record the information to inform future investigations.
The service sits alongside the force’s existing complaints procedure and has been set up solely to take reports of corruption and or serious abuse committed by serving police officers, staff and volunteers.
Detective Superintendent Ricky Dhanda, Head of Professional Standards for Dorset Police, said: “We know that there are so many good people in Dorset Police who display exemplary standards of behaviour and do their best to keep people safe, catching criminals, protecting people and supporting victims and witnesses.
“Unfortunately, it is the actions of the minority that let us and our communities down and we must continue to do all we can to root out individuals who display unethical, unprofessional or criminal behaviour.
“The public should quite rightly have confidence that police officers and staff strive to attain the highest standards of ethical behaviour, and that when these standards fall below expectations, swift and robust action is taken.
“We are determined to do all we can to ensure our workforce is fit to serve and I would encourage anyone with concerns about a police officer, member of staff or volunteer to come forward so we can investigate.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “This new service is an important tool and provides another vital method for the public to anonymously report police staff, officers and volunteers who could be abusing their position or taking advantage of their role.
“I know reporting these behaviours can often be difficult and daunting for victims.
“That’s why this new service from independent charity Crimestoppers is so important, as people can pass on their concerns confidentially, and won’t have to contact the force directly.
“I hope this will ensure victims feel more comfortable in coming forward.
“I want the people of Dorset to know that alongside the force leadership, I remain resolutely committed to Dorset Police investigating any unethical or unacceptable behaviour within their ranks.
“The force must be held up to the light of public scrutiny; it is the only way we can possibly seek to improve public confidence.
“Making it easier for people to report potential corrupt or abusive behaviour is just one important step in rooting out those who are not fit to serve.”
You can contact the service by calling 0800 085 0000 or via Crimestoppers’ website to provide information you have about a serving police officer, staff member or volunteer in the UK.
If you would prefer to report matters directly, you can call 101, visit the Force website or email countercorruptionunit.
Corruption can also be reported online at www.dorset.police.uk/
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