Dorset Police 2024

Our focus on driving up Standards of Behaviour

The horrific actions of serving police officers Wayne Couzens and David Carrick, compounded by other criminal and misconduct matters involving officers and staff both locally
and nationally, have had a huge impact on the trust and confidence of the local communities we serve.

We know that there are so many good people in Dorset Police who display exemplary standards of behaviour and do their best to keep people safe, catching criminals, protecting people and supporting victims and witnesses. Unfortunately, it is the actions of the minority that let us and our communities down and we must continue to do all we can to root out individuals who display unethical, unprofessional or criminal behaviour.

Our officers, staff and volunteers are expected to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity at all times and we have made it very clear that it is everyone’s responsibility to call it out when they see colleagues are not.

Any member of staff failing to uphold the highest standards of behaviour, on or off duty, will be subject to investigation and, if appropriate, will no longer be a part of the Force.

Our aim is to encourage and grow only a culture that will promote acceptable and respectful behaviour, one of challenging any demonstrations of prejudice, not only in the organisation, but outside the organisation such as among friends and family.

Unchallenged behaviour is not seen as acceptable

Inappropriate behaviours must be challenged for our culture to be one we are proud of.

In February 2023, the Force launched its Call it Out campaign and charter to reinforce the message that it is everyone’s responsibility to call out unacceptable behaviour and remind colleagues of the various methods in which this can be done. The charter sets out how we as a police force intend to end prejudice and unacceptable behaviours and is something we all need to commit to.

The Force also delivered bespoke training to all first- and second-line managers focused on standards and ethics, which included a focus on calling out and reporting inappropriate or discriminatory behaviour. Other initiatives include holding Let’s Talk About Standards of Behaviour drop-in Teams sessions for the workforce, a dedicated PSD quarterly newsletter and the Integrity Heath Check that our people are requested to read and sign as part of the annual Professional Development Review process.

Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service

To further boost our efforts in this area, in March 2024 we joined forces across the country to launch the Crimestoppers Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service. The service provides an anonymous and confidential route for the public to report concerns, online or via a dedicated phone line, about serving police officers, staff and volunteers who are suspected of being corrupt or committing serious abuse.

The reports will be taken by Crimestoppers before being passed onto our Counter Corruption Unit for further assessment. The information may then be passed to specialist detectives to begin an investigation, take steps to safeguard someone at risk or in danger or record the information to inform future investigations.

Again, it is hoped that by providing members of the public with an alternative reporting route they will have the confidence to come forward and tell us what they know.