Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner which provided a briefing on the findings of the recent assessments by HMIC Inspectorate of Constabulary into Police efficiency, Police legitimacy, and leadership (for copy see file of Minutes).

Councillor Brookes referred to a recent HMIC report regarding police officers abusing their position to sexually exploit people, including vulnerable victims of crime and asked whether any figures were available for the Durham force and how it would be dealt with contractually.  The PCVC replied that police officers did not have contracts because they were officers of the Crown.  The Chief of Staff added that such an issue would be treated as an abuse of position.  He understood there had been fewer than 5 such cases over the last few years but undertook to provide greater clarity on this after the meeting.  Professional Standards had been asked to look in to this issue when the report was published.

Mr Dodwell asked who sat on the Professional Standards Board.  The Chief of Staff replied that the Board was chaired by the Chief Constable and an officer from the Office of the PCVC also attended.  Additionally the Joint Audit Committee carried out dip sampling of ongoing complaints case files as well as completed files.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.