Police leadership praised for progress in preventing and tackling corruption

National Policing Lead on Police Standards and Ethics, Chief Constable Jacqui Cheer said: 

“Today’s report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) highlights the strong leadership demonstrated by senior police officers in their commitment to root out corruption. The public rightly expects the service and those within it to operate with transparency and to the highest standards of integrity. 

“Chief officers around the country devote considerable energy and resource to identifying risks and promoting integrity within their forces. We have made progress in 122 of the 125 areas previously identified by HMIC as needing improvement. Chief constables are engaging with officers and staff at all levels;  many are personally hosting events with the opportunity for questions and discussion. 

“We welcome the call for a single definition of ‘corruption’ in the police context. This would give much clearer parameters and guidance to the public and those tackling police corruption as to what constitutes unacceptable behaviour. 

“Corruption is neither endemic nor widespread in the police service. However, the actions of a few corrupt officers can corrode the reputation of the vast majority who work hard every day to protect the public. We will continue to improve our approach so that those who are not fit to be in the police are held to account and removed.”

The full report from HMIC can be found here: http://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmic/wp-content/uploads/police-integrity-and-corruption-2015.pdf