National police anti-corruption and abuse reporting service launched
A national Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service has been launched across the UK for individuals to report police officers, police staff, or volunteers who are suspected of corruption, abuse, or breach of trust or power.
Examples of where police corruption and abuse can be reported include:-
- Using their position for personal gain
- Accepting bribes
- Abusing their position for sexual purposes
- Participating in racist, homophobic or misogynistic conduct
- Abusing their partner
Numerous scandals have hit the headlines recently, such as the murder of Sarah Everard and serial sex offender PC David Carrack. There have also been instances of the strip searching of children and officers sharing photographs of deceased individuals. In a bid to root out unacceptable conduct, Crimestoppers launched an anti-corruption hotline for individuals to report corruption within the Metropolitan Police in November 2022. Within the first 12 months of the hotline going live, 3,000 reports were received and more than 700 investigations within the Metropolitan police have opened. Furthermore, in excess of 100 investigations have been transferred to outside forces.
The service is run by Crimestoppers and has been commissioned by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners in the hope that this alternative route to reporting police corruption and abuse will see an increase in victims coming forward. Police forces are hopeful that this will be a step towards restoring public trust.
The police watchdog has recently stated that hundreds of UK police officers should never have been appointed, due to being closely linked with known criminals or having prior convictions themselves. An inquiry into this issue found that a ‘radical overhaul’ is needed to remove officers who should not be serving our communities.
Reports to the new service can be made either in confidence or anonymously by calling 0800 085 0000 or going online to their website at:
Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse | Crimestoppers (theiline.co.uk)