Lincolnshire police need to do better on ensuring the highest professional standards amongst staff
A report says they need to address issues
Lincolnshire police is promising to do more to ensure officers and staff uphold the very highest professional and ethical standards.
It follows criticism in a new inspection report.
Making sure staff carry out their duties in a responsible way is said to be essential to ensure public confidence.
Lincolnshire must improve in dealing with the way the handle potential corruption and also in upholding standards.
They need to address issues like improving training and learning more from cases - although the report identified some good practice.
Report highlights some good practice but there were issues to address
They also need to be better at handling complaints.
The inspection also highlighted a number of issues that had been raised in a previous report which it was felt still hadn't been fully addressed.
One other major category assessed was vetting.
Inspectors found vetting processes were adequate.
The report did also acknowledge areas where there was good practice.
The force has responded.
Lincolnshire Police’s Chief Constable Paul Gibson said:
We will of course look at the areas where we need to improve and make sure we act on recommendations
“We accept the findings of this report and that there are some areas where we need to improve, but we’re confident that the action plans we have implemented will work at pace towards achieving these.
“The inspection found that that our vetting is good, we are dealing with the small amount of corrupt officers and staff, our investigation into complaints is thorough and proportionate, and we have good investigation standards and good supervision when it comes to counter-corruption.
These are the areas that matter most to the public because if were falling in these areas of work this is where they would most feel the impact.
“We will of course look at the areas where we need to improve and make sure we act on recommendations, but I’m pleased to see that the inspection team found some areas of good practice where we have effective processes and practices in place, are complying with Authorised Professional Practice, and are providing a good service to the public we serve.
“We continue to invest in vetting, challenge misconduct, and tackle corruption so that we can continue to deliver the highest possible standard of policing to communities in Lincolnshire.”