Professional standards

The principle of policing by consent relies on the trust and confidence that the public has in the police service and the wider law enforcement community. Professional standards departments (PSDs) can play an important role in the maintenance of that trust and confidence. Trust and confidence can be undermined by a failure to vet and manage misconduct and complaints or investigate counter-corruption activities effectively. It is, therefore, essential that such issues are dealt with openly and robustly in accordance with the Code of Ethics.

Professional standards consist of the following areas:

• Counter corruption
• Vetting
• Complaints and misconduct
• Governance