CHESHIRE Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer has welcomed an anti-corruption hotline launched nationally by independent charity Crimestoppers.
The service was established to give the public an anonymous and confidential route to report concerns about criminal behaviour by individuals in policing regardless of whether they were on or off duty at the time.
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.
Mr Dwyer said: “It’s vitally important that the public have confidence in the police. Over recent years this confidence has been rocked due to several high-profile incidents. The nationwide launch of this hotline demonstrates the importance of rebuilding this trust.
“Giving the public an opportunity to report their concerns around individuals, for investigations to take place and root out those officers, staff and volunteers who aren’t fit to wear the uniform will only help to improve public confidence in policing.
“I welcome this hotline and encourage Cheshire residents to report any concerns you may have. You can remain anonymous. Or you can leave details if you’d like to be kept up to date with any developments.”
Allegations can be made anonymously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week online https://forms.theiline.co.uk/police-anti-corruption-and-abuse-reporting-service or by calling 0800 085 0000.
