The police have said they are continuing to "root out" officers who abuse their position of trust with the launch of a new anti-corruption reporting service.
The independent charity Crimestoppers is running the service, which allows the public to confidentially report corruption or serious abuse by officers, staff, and volunteers.
The initiative is an national expansion of a previous effort by the Metropolitan Police Service, which recorded 2,878 online reports and calls between November 2022 and February 2024.
Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Day of the Met’s Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command said on a Facebook post: "We're proud that this pioneering and innovative step launched by the Met 18 months ago is now being rolled out across policing nationally.
"The hotline is a valuable tool in our overall efforts to identify and root out anyone who is not fit to serve as a police officer or member of police staff."
He added: "The hundreds of reports into Crimestoppers show that the service has had a really significant impact, leading to vital intelligence being contributed to dozens of ongoing enquiries here and outside the Met, as well as causing us to launch new investigations."
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The service is commissioned by police forces and Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) as part of a wider effort to improve police standards and culture.
The public can disclose their concerns about officers who are providing information or influence for money or favours.
They can also flag instances of police using their position for personal advantage, crossing professional boundaries for sexual purposes, engaging in harmful conduct based on race, sexual orientation, sex or disability, and those who are abusive or controlling towards partners or those they have a relationship with.
Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: "This reporting service will enable us to take action by giving the public a new, anonymous and confidential route to report corruption, criminality, or abusive behaviour within policing."
Mark Hallas, Chief Executive of Crimestoppers, added: "We all share the same aim of wanting to see dangerous and abusive police officers and staff rooted out.
"The public deserves a safe and transparent policing environment that they can trust."
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The launch of the new service comes after recent efforts to ensure high standards of integrity across all police forces.
All information received by Crimestoppers will be passed to the relevant force’s specialist unit for assessment, potentially leading to safeguarding measures, new investigations, or informing future enquiries.
The police assure that this platform will complement existing complaint procedures.
Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Day added: "It's vital that the public know there are clear systems in place where appalling behaviours will be challenged and addressed robustly and that those within policing know they can trust their colleagues."
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