The West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed the Government’s commitment to check all current officers against the Police National Database, in order to provide additional scrutiny and build confidence in policing.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said “The public rightly expects the highest standards from individuals employed by West Mercia Police. In any society corrupt individuals exist and we mustn’t be complacent about this. The Chief Constable, our communities and I, all have the same high expectations of how those in policing must behave.
This is an area which needs constant attention and focus; the Government’s steps to increase confidence in policing are welcomed. Locally I am reassured that West Mercia already has high standards of vetting, robust processes and a low risk appetite and I remain committed to playing my part through my budget investments in additional resources into force vetting and professional standards, as well in technological reform to improve the process.”
A HMICFRS report published in November showed West Mercia Police is already fully complaint, with all employees of the workforce and contractors holding the correct level of vetting. The report referenced instances of over-vetting’ where additional checks are carried out: For more information click here.