Counter-corruption arrangements ‘good’, but Surrey Police must improve vetting, says HMICFRS
While counter-corruption arrangements were highlighted as ‘good’ at Surrey Police, its vetting of police officers and staff and professional standards need improvement, the police inspectorate has found.
T/Deputy Chief Constable Tanya Jones said they were “working hard” on improving these areas, with “advancements already being made since the inspection”.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue (HMICFRS) report into the effectiveness of integrity arrangements in Surrey Police graded the force ‘good’ at tackling potential corruption, but ‘requires improvement’ in the vetting of police officers and staff and upholding the standards of professional behaviour.
HMICFRS noted that Surrey Police has a “comprehensive” counter-corruption strategic threat assessment and strategy, we correctly categorise all corruption-related intelligence in line with the College of Policing counter-corruption authorised professional practice, and that the force protects the information it holds.
HMICFRS also drew attention to the work carried out by the anti-corruption unit (ACU) with external partners, leading to improved trust, and support for people who may be at risk of abuse by police personnel.
However, the report identified that the Joint Force Vetting Unit (JFVU), a collaborative team servicing both Surrey Police and Sussex Police, requires increased resources to meet the demand it faces.
It highlighted that higher risk cases need to be prioritised as part of the wider workload within the department. It was found that the quality assurance for decisions on vetting was effective.
HMICFRS found that people felt confident to approach the force’s Professional Standards Department (PSD) and understand how to raise concerns around professional behaviour.
“They also noted that our decision making is mostly consistent and fair; ensuring misconduct is identified and investigated,” said Surrey Police.
In relation to complaints and conduct allegations, the timeliness and documentation requires improvement, said HMICFRS.
“Having recently introduced a comprehensive crime management framework in force, supported by our Crime Investigation Portal, this is being rolled out in PSD which will support improvement in this area,” the force said.
Ms Jones said: “As a force, it is our commitment to act ethically and with the highest standards. As such, we welcome today’s report as an important insight into current effectiveness in these areas.
“When police officers, police staff, or volunteers, are involved in misconduct or criminality, it has a direct impact on public trust and confidence and, in turn, our legitimacy to fight crime, protect people, and be there for everyone who needs us.
“While it is positive that the HMICFRS identified good practice, particularly in our ability to tackle potential corruption, we fully accept the findings in the report and recognise there are significant areas for improvement highlighted.
“We are working hard on improving these areas, with advancements already being made since the inspection. We will therefore prioritise these recommendations, make the necessary improvements and be transparent about our progress with our people, and the public.”