Maintaining high professional standards
THE Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Essex has published the latest quarterly report detailing Essex Police complaints and conduct matters.
The report, from the force’s Professional Standards Department (PSD), contains complaints and disciplinary matters involving Essex Police officers and staff between July and September this year.
Where possible it includes the outcome of disciplinary proceedings and details of cases which have been referred to the police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, for investigation or to the courts for prosecution.
The latest report publication forms part of a pledge from Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, to oversee police integrity and conduct issues on behalf of the people of Essex and to do so transparently.
Nick Alston said: “I am very conscious that during a period of considerable financial pressure, the vast majority of Essex Police officers and staff continue to go the extra mile to prevent harm, support victims and bring dangerous criminals to justice. Excellent work to protect the people of our county takes place every hour of every day, often out of public sight.
“However, for too long, police forces up and down the country have not always been completely forthcoming when things go wrong or where serious misconduct has occurred. I believe being open and transparent about these matters will enable our police forces to maintain the full support of the public which, overwhelmingly, Essex Police deserves.
“As PCC, I will continue to praise the excellent work of Essex Police. I will also continue to address challenging issues, and support the Chief Constable and everyone in the force who believes the highest professional standards are essential.”
As the report contains information about investigations which are ongoing, some details have not been included. The PCC must also exercise a duty of care to police officers, police staff, victims and complainants in this respect.
Mr Alston said: “Some of the matters being investigated both under the supervision of the Independent Police Complaints Commission and by the Essex Police Professional Standards Department are of deep concern.
“However I remain assured that they are thoroughly investigated by both Essex Police’s PSD and the IPCC and all complaints made are overseen by my Deputy PCC Lindsay Whitehouse to ensure that remains the case.”
PCC PSD QUARTERLY REPORT JULY TO SEPT 2014
To view all the PCC PSD quarterly reports visit www.essex.pfcc.police.uk or click here https://www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/conduct-and-professional-standards/
