By Charlotte Webster-
A new legitimacy plan aimed at enhancing public confidence and increasing scrutiny of police behavior has been proposed by Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), David Lloyd(pictured)
The plan which aims to create a more robust and ethical policing environment in Hertfordshire, outlines measures to improve transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within the police force. Lloyd is seeking public input on the draft strategy before finalizing it.
The plan is aligned with national recommendations and prioritizes addressing immediate concerns that can erode public trust, such as the abuse of police powers.
It also outlines a series of actions that the constabulary will take under the PCC’s guidance to bolster public confidence in Hertfordshire.
While recognizing that the majority of officers work with integrity and the public’s best interests at heart, the plan acknowledges the existence of a small minority of officers who may misuse their positions. It lays out steps to identify and promptly address these officers.
The proposed actions include enhancing vetting and recruitment processes to conduct more frequent screenings and checks on the behaviors and motivations of new recruits.
Additionally, internal investigations into complaints and misconduct cases will undergo more rigorous scrutiny, including examination based on demographic factors.
The plan also aims to provide additional support for staff welfare and well-being, in collaboration with organizations such as the Police Federation, Unison, Police Superintendents’ Association, and the Chief Police Officer Staff Association, to assist officers who report wrongdoing.
Lloyd emphasized the importance of maintaining the public’s trust in policing and the need for robust public oversight and governance. He expressed his commitment to rooting out inappropriate behavior, misogyny, and criminal activity within the police force, while upholding principles of fairness and equality.
The plan is part of Lloyd’s ongoing efforts to ensure legitimacy and has been drafted by a newly appointed assistant commissioner, Dr. Nathan Doust-Briant, who has special responsibility for legitimacy.
Lloyd’s office is also among the few nationally to take on the initial handling of public complaints through its expanded Complaint Resolution Team, allowing for greater independent oversight and trend-spotting in public complaints.
The public is invited to review the plan and provide feedback and comments on the proposals. The consultation period will remain open until November 10.
A police Sergeant on The Eye Of Media’s thinktank said: ”The British police force is generally making strides in improving standards in the force, and doing everything to eradicate corrupt officers from its midst
‘Already Sir Mark Rowley is doing well in overhauling the force and restoring a much needed dignity to British policing.
‘Despite a small minority of corrupt officers who have in the past brought the British police force in the UK to disrepute, the British police is one of the best and most effective in the world.
‘This consultation is another sign of the determination of various forces to maintain high ethical standards in policing”
The Eye Of Media.Com will be contributing to the consultation.