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| NEWS > 15 November 2008 |
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Kaduna Police aborts lecture o
Officers and men from the Kaduna State Police Command, weekend, aborted a lecture on corruption earlier billed to take place at the Kagoro Town Hall, in southern Kaduna.
“The action of the police is a clear indication that those in government are not sincere with the fight against corruption,” said one of the invited speakers and National Secretary of Action Congress (AC), Dr. Usman Bugaje.
Other dignitaries also invited to speak at the public lecture on the topic, Corruption and the Crisis of Development, organised by the Movement for a Better Future, included the Action Co... Read more
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Daily Mail - UK
15 November 2008
This article appeared in the above title/site.
To view it in its entirity click this link.
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Ethics in Policing
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UK: Cops AND robbers - Police
Police officers with convictions for gun crimes, benefit fraud and violent attacks are still serving, it emerged last night.
The offences include discharging a firearm, possession of a cannabis plant, being drunk and disorderly, assault and theft.
Many of the crimes took place while the officers were in post, supposedly protecting the public.
Last night experts said the public would be alarmed by the revelations, which point to a fall in standards.
MPs said they raised ‘serious questions’ over whether courts can trust the evidence given by police convicted of dishonesty.
The list of crimes relates to Hampshire Police.
Among its 4,000 officers, there are 42
separate convictions. The number of offences is the equivalent of more than one criminal conviction for every 100 officers.
If such a picture were repeated nationwide, the 144,000 police in England and Wales would have more than 1,580 convictions.
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) confirmed that officers convicted of serious crimes while serving could remain in their post.
Unlike members of the public who break the law, they are protected by Government rules called Police and Misconduct Regulations.
These set down a range of alternatives to dismissal – such as a reprimand, fine or reduction in rank. Decisions are left to individual forces, which opt for dismissal only
in more severe cases.
Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Chris Huhne said: ‘The public will be rightly concerned that there are serving police officers who have committed crimes as serious as assault and firearms offences.
Serious questions arise over whether the criminal courts can trust the evidence given by police officers who have committed benefit fraud.’
David Green, director of the Civitas think-tank, said: ‘Why are people convicted of crimes against civilians being allowed to remain in the police service?
‘It is also surely inappropriate that people who have been convicted of serious crimes such as theft and dishonesty should be permitted to hold such a job.’
The revelations came to light after Mr Huhne was approached by a woman sacked from her job as a civilian worker at Hampshire Police after being cautioned for a
minor crime. Mr Huhne said: ‘It appears that Hampshire Constabulary is operating a two-tier justice system when dealing with criminal convictions.
‘It is deeply unfair that police staff are being fired for minor offences, while police officers convicted of more serious offences are allowed to keep their jobs.’
A police spokesman said: 'Hampshire Constabulary adheres to national standards for the discipline procedures for both police staff and police officers. The Home Office sets procedures to be followed for officers with criminal convictions.
'Hampshire Constabulary sets and expects high standards from its officers and staff. A criminal conviction does not preclude employment, however very careful consideration is always given to people with convictions. All cases are dealt with according to their individual merits and circumstances.
'It should be noted that some of the convictions against officers were incurred many years ago, when those convicted were very young and before they joined the police service.'
A small number of other forces have disclosed having officers with previous convictions, but usually only for minor crimes. Critics said this made the Hampshire revelations even more extraordinary.
Two years ago, the Met said 74 of its officers received either a criminal conviction or caution, mainly for drink-driving, between 2000 and 2005 but were kept on.
Paul West, ACPO lead for the Professional Standards Working Group and Chief Constable of West Mercia, said: ‘The police service expects good conduct and probity
from its officers and staff at all times.
‘Where wrongdoing is alleged, police officers are investigated and action taken as appropriate to each case.
It should be remembered that there are just over 140,000 police officers in the country, the overwhelming majority of whom serve the public with dedication.
‘Police staff members are subject to the ACAS code of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures, while police officers are subject to the Police and Misconduct Regulations set by Government.
‘From December 1, 2008, new Police and Misconduct Regulations will come into effect which will simplify and speed up the discipline process and in many respects will bring it in line with procedures relating to police staff.’
Those with existing convictions for serious crimes are barred from joining the police altogether.
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