Professional standards

Summary

The principle of policing by consent relies on the trust and confidence that the public has in the police service and law enforcement. Professional standards departments (PSDs) are essential in maintaining this trust by managing misconduct, complaints, and investigating counter-corruption activities effectively. Such issues must be addressed openly and robustly in accordance with the Code of Ethics. Key areas of professional standards include counter corruption, vetting, complaints and misconduct, and governance.

Key principles

• 1Trust and confidence are vital to policing by consent.
• 2Professional standards departments play a critical role in maintaining public trust.
• 3Effective management of misconduct and complaints is essential.
• 4Counter-corruption investigations must be robust and transparent.
• 5Adherence to the Code of Ethics is necessary for all professional standards.

Defined terms

Code of Ethics

A set of principles set out by the College of Policing that guide the behaviour and conduct of police officers.