The overwhelming majority of police officers deserve our support

ACPO President Sir Hugh Orde said:

“The 21 years that the Lawrence family have waited for answers to their concerns about the police investigation into Stephen Lawrence’s murder is a tragedy; as is the fact not all of Stephen’s killers have been convicted.

“The Metropolitan Police have made it clear that they still aim to bring all those responsible for Stephen’s murder to justice, will give their full support to a public enquiry and will look carefully at all the issues raised in yesterday’s reports from Mark Ellison QC and Operation Herne, in order to provide a considered response.

“I can’t ignore the impact that these reports may have on people’s view of the police across the country. I want to be clear that corruption is neither endemic nor accepted in the police. The overwhelming majority of police officers deserve our support. They work extremely hard, continue to deliver falling crime with shrinking budgets and they are, quite rightly, held accountable for their actions to a degree that few other professions are.

“It is important that we deal with wrongdoing in the past and are open about how undercover policing operated at that time so that people can know their trust in us is well deserved. We must not forget the committed officers and staff who, overwhelmingly, join policing through their desire to keep the public safe from harm. They will feel shocked and disappointed by those who have let them and their high standards down.
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"It's encouraging that much of the public can recognise that while the behaviour of some may tarnish the service, their actions are not representative of all serving officers."

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk