Ethical Policing

We will ensure the police act with integrity and social responsibility, promoting a culture that is inclusive, diverse and takes equality seriously. From how they interact with the public they serve, to environmental sustainability.

Policing in our country is, and always has been carried out, based on public co-operation. It relies on police officers and staff behaving in a way which maintains the support of the public.

The Police and Crime Commissioner has a duty to hold the Chief Constable to account for the way that officers and staff carry out their roles. This includes the duties relating to equality and diversity and complaints.

The Commissioner supports the independent scrutiny of a number of police actions including the conditions for those detained in police custody.

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are volunteers from the local community who, as part of a team, make unannounced visits to police stations to check on the rights, wellbeing and treatment of people being held in police custody.

ICVs visit in pairs and speak directly to detainees (with their consent) to find out how they have been treated and whether they have been able to access their rights and entitlements. ICVs also speak to custody staff and look at the physical condition of the custody suites.

For more information about the ICV scheme and how to become a volunteer, click here.

This page will be regularly updated in line with progress against the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan objectives.

Where standards fall short of expectations the Commissioner will ensure the Chief Constable has in place processes which mean complaints will be dealt with fairly and the outcome is reasonable in the circumstances. For more information about complaints and conduct matters click here.

The Commissioner will also ensure the Constabulary is taking steps to reduce its impact on the environment in the way it works now and in the future.