Phil Walker, the vice chair of South Wales Police Federation says he feels reassured following the results of the largest integrity screening project to be undertaken in policing.

His comments follow a study conducted by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) which saw more than 307,000 officers, staff and volunteers checked against the Police National Database (PND).

The PND contains copies of locally held police records covering intelligence, crime, custody, child protection and domestic abuse investigations.

Of those screened, 2470 were officers at South Wales Police, one of which was found to be of concern, though no further action was taken.

Positive results

“This is the largest integrity screening project of its kind and the results are really positive - especially on a local level,” said Phil.

“As a Federation, it’s no secret that we feel there is no place for corrupt officers and we will support any process that helps to identify them and get them out of the service.

“For policing to move forward and build bridges with members of the public, projects like this are crucial. I hope that the results help to build trust and coincidence in policing following the damaging actions of the minority.”

The PND was set up in 2011 to share intelligence between forces, following an inquiry into the 2003 killings of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, in Soham, Cambridgeshire.

Nationally, the records of 307,452 officers, staff and volunteers have now been checked against six billion entries on the PND, with a total of 306,991 individuals of no concern. 

Less than 0.15 per cent of records needed to be referred to an appropriate authority, with one-fifth of these needing no further action. 

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, transparency is key to building bridges with the public,” continued Luke, adding: “And projects just like this are vital to that transparency.”

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair said that while ‘the cross-checking of records on such a large scale was a significant task’ it demonstrated their commitment to ‘identifying those who do not meet the high standards expected’.

Responded with urgency

“Police forces responded with urgency, enabling us to carry out the largest integrity screening project that policing has ever seen,” he said.

“Despite the comparatively low numbers of returns, the exercise was important in ensuring we have a strong foundation on which to build an automated process.

“We look forward to working with our colleagues across Government and policing to make this a reality. 

“I hope that it gives further reassurance to communities, and to colleagues in policing, that the overwhelming majority of the workforce can be trusted, and that if you are involved in wrongdoing, there is no place to hide.”