Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service goes nationwide

A new national reporting service provided by Crimestoppers will support the public to speak up about corruption and abuse by police officers, staff and volunteers. This builds on the success of the service first used by the Met Police in London

People can report anonymously – or confidentially if they are willing to leave their details for the force investigation team to ask additional questions. By providing an alternative reporting route, more victims will be able to come forward so that action can be taken to help restore public trust and confidence in policing.  

The national service was commissioned by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the APCC, the organisation that represents Police and Crime Commissioners.  The NPCC said the new service will bolster forces’ capability to take action against those who are not fit to serve, a commitment made by all police chiefs and PCCs to strengthen police standards and culture.

“We have made progress in strengthening procedures around misconduct and vetting, and forces are taking a proactive approach to finding and rooting out wrongdoing. However, we know there is always more to do to ensure that we meet the high standards rightly expected and deserved by the public.

“The vast majority of police officers and staff act professionally and with integrity in the fulfilment of their duties to protect the public. We must take tough action to purge policing of those responsible for wrongdoing, for now and for the future.

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

The national launch follows a successful roll-out at the Metropolitan Police Service in November 2022. The reporting service has since received 1988 calls and 890 online reports, with 867 pieces of intelligence passed onto the force. This resulted in 728 Met-led investigations, and the remaining 139 reports were passed to other forces.

“Crucially, the launch of this service gives people an option to make that initial report via our independent charity and not directly to the police. Those with serious allegations who have previously stayed silent will have greater confidence to come forward.”

Mark Hallas, CEO, Crimestoppers.

The charity will take calls from the public about individuals employed by any police force in the UK, regardless of whether the information relates to them while they are on or off duty, online or in person. Reports can be submitted online and telephone calls are free.

Information received by Crimestoppers will be passed to the relevant force’s specialist unit, such as Professional Standards or Anti-Corruption, for assessment. It may 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.

“We have all been horrified by terrible instances of criminality such as those set out in shocking detail in Lady Elish Angiolini’s recent report, along with other appalling behaviours that have come to light in policing. This service provides an opportunity for the public to report their concerns about individuals, and for policing to root out more of those not fit to serve and who impugn the characters of the overwhelming majority of officers committed to protecting us.

Donna Jones, Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.

Reports can be made online or by calling 0800 085 0000. For more information about Crimestoppers, read the Emergency Services Times interview with its CEO, Mark Hallas.