A new anti-corruption and abuse reporting service has been launched by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and National Police Chiefs’ Council that will allow West Midlands Police to take action against those who are not fit to serve.
Independent charity Crimestoppers has been commissioned to run the service for the public to anonymously – or confidentially – report corruption and serious abuse by police officers, staff and volunteers.
The launch follows a year of joint working between forces, PCCs and Crimestoppers to ensure that the service is available to all communities across the UK.
The Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service covers reports 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.
Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, Simon Foster said:
“I welcome the launch of the National Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service. This Service, run by the independent charity Crimestoppers, will enable members of the public to anonymously or confidentially report abuse, corruption and criminality by police officers, staff and volunteers.
“Crimestoppers will take calls from the public about individuals employed by 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.
“Information received by Crimestoppers will be passed to the relevant force’s specialist unit, such as Professional Standards or Anti-Corruption, for assessment. It may be passed 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 launch of this service is an important contribution to building trust and confidence in the police service. I expect police officers and staff to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, ethics, integrity and professionalism. The vast majority do so. However, if there are any police officers or staff in the police service incapable of grasping that basic principle, then they have no place in the police service and they will be challenged and held to account.
“I am holding West Midlands Police to account, to ensure it complies with vetting procedures, performance manages officers and staff, and deals with complaints and misconduct, so that in particular, unsuitable people are prevented from joining in the first place, any misconduct within the force is identified, and officers and staff are dismissed, if they are not fit to serve the public.”
Reports can be made online or by calling 0800 085 0000.
The service has seen success at the Metropolitan Police Service, where 2,878 online reports and calls have been received between November 2022 and February 2024.
It follows the recent screening of the entire police workforce to ensure high standards of integrity are being upheld.
Back to News Archive