Results published in policing’s largest integrity screening project
The results of the largest integrity screening project undertaken in UK policing have been published today (Tuesday, 23 January, 2024).
The exercise, led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), began 12 months ago, with police services asked to prepare data to enable more than 307,000 officers, staff and volunteers to be checked against the Police National Database (PND).
Police Scotland agreed to take part in the screening, and additionally cross checked the Police National Computer and the Scottish Intelligence Database, scrutinising information for its workforce as of February 2023, totalling 23,822 people.
The data screening enabled police services to establish whether information previously unknown to them existed either within their own organisation or with another police force about its officers, staff or volunteers.
Within Police Scotland, the overwhelming majority of individuals, totalling 23,813, returned no concerns as a result of the screening.
There were no instances uncovered in the historic data wash where officers or staff had been convicted of or investigated for any offences which Police Scotland had been unaware of previously.
Nine matters were flagged through the screening process which necessitated further assessment of our officers and staff.
One criminal matter has come to light pertaining to the misuse of police systems in relation to a member of police staff, and an inquiry is in progress.
Three issues were highlighted relating to the vetting of staff, and these matters have now been resolved.
The other matters related to officers and staff who, through their personal lives, had associations with individuals involved in criminality or who have received a criminal conviction.
We have policies in place within Police Scotland to safeguard our officers and staff, the organisation, and most importantly, the communities in which we work. The policy is such that Police Scotland should be notified of these associations.
Suitable guidance and advice has been given to those officers and staff members.
Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs (Professionalism, Strategy & Engagement) said: “I welcome the publication of these results and commend the efforts of those within Police Scotland and across UK policing who have dedicated such rigour to completing this exercise.
“Our participation in this historic data wash exercise is a proactive step to safeguard not only our organisation, its standing in society and public trust and confidence, but also to protect the integrity of our officers, staff and volunteers. They work day in, day out to improve the safety and wellbeing of the people, places and communities of Scotland.
“As our results show, there are a very small number of instances where information which was not previously known has come to light, and the appropriate action has been taken in all cases.
“As an organisation, we know how much damage can be caused to public trust and confidence in us, as a public service, by the actions of those who do not live our values, who do not carry out their role with integrity, and who do not uphold the high standards we expect in policing.
“It is imperative policing maintains high standards and is held to account. We will always support our officers, staff and volunteers who act according to our values and standards. Those who reject what we stand for do not belong in Police Scotland.”
Police Scotland has undertaken a recent programme of activity to strengthen its vetting work and to raise awareness around the legislative standards of professional behaviour for officers and the staff code of conduct.
Investment has been made to bolster its vetting team, and further scrutiny has been introduced for new recruits who must reaffirm their vetting declaration prior to making the oath of office and becoming a holder of the office of constable.
A Preventions and Professionalism campaign has been ongoing throughout 2023 detailing each of the 10 definitions of professional behaviour which officers must abide to both on and off duty, bringing each to the fore with a monthly focus. The work is now focused on encouraging others to report concerns around potential misconduct or criminality through a variety of reporting mechanisms.
The outcomes of Gross Misconduct hearings where an officer has been dismissed or resigned/retired prior to a hearing are also now being published to provide officers and staff with real-life examples of what constitutes the most serious misdemeanours.
In addition, the Professional Standards Department produces a quarterly newsletter highlight emerging trends in conduct and complaints to educate the workforce on how to keep themselves, colleagues and the public safe, and how to address or report concerns.
The Police National Database (PND) is a data store of operational policing information and intelligence provided by individual forces. It contains copies of locally held police records covering intelligence, crime, custody, child protection and domestic abuse investigations.
