Hertfordshire public urged to have their say on new plan to increase scrutiny of police behaviour

Hertfordshire residents are urged to have their say on a plan to enhance public confidence and increase scrutiny around police behaviour.

The ‘Legitimacy Plan’ ­has been compiled by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) David Lloyd. It details how the PCC will work with police to improve transparency, accountability and ethical behaviour within the Constabulary.

Following national recommendations, it focuses on addressing the most pressing matters which can betray public trust such as the abuse of police powers, and sets out actions for the Constabulary to undertake.

The plan recognises, while most officers carry out their work with integrity, there is a small minority who may abuse and exploit the position they hold. The plan outlines steps to identify these officers and staff earlier and deal with them appropriately and swiftly.

Actions include developing vetting and recruitment processes to provide additional checks on behaviours and motivations of those joining the service.

Additional support around staff welfare and wellbeing is proposed for those officers who report wrongdoing.

Mr Lloyd said: “Policing is undertaken in this country with the consent of the people, in that they place their trust in officers and the Constabulary to uphold the law. It is vital this contract with the public is maintained and the police can be relied upon by our communities.

“There has never been a greater need for strong and effective public oversight and governance for policing across the whole of the UK. My priority as Police and Crime Commissioner is to hold the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public. Rooting out inappropriate behaviour, misogyny and criminal activity must be relentlessly pursued, while reinforcing the core organisational principles of fairness and equality.“A tremendous amount of work has been undertaken in this area by my office and Hertfordshire Constabulary, but it is right that we continue to look for where further improvements can be made.“I would like to invite the public to study this plan and provide me with their feedback and comments on the proposals.”A full copy of the draft plan is available to view and comments can be made here.