Wiltshire Chief Constable admits need for experience on Rural Crime Team
A new framework for officers appointed to the team has been endorsed
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper has admitted that experienced officers are still needed on the Rural Crime Team (RCT), as the Force tries to ensure staff on the team have no pro or anti hunt links.
Last month, following a review of the RCT, several staff changes were made.
Chief Constable Roper said:
"We absolutely acknowledge the importance of staff in this team having experience in and an understanding of our rural communities.
“However, the parameters we have put in place will ensure appropriate posting into this team, allow us to evidence the independence of our staff and provide total reassurance that we will police without fear or favour.”
Officers are now required to disclose rural hobbies or initiatives they are involved with which could call their impartiality into question, which Ms Roper feels is “crucial” to generating trust and confidence in tackling rural crime.
“"The disclosure of these activities would not necessarily preclude staff from joining the RCT, nor is it a blanket ban,” the Chief Constable said.
She added that the new approach is underpinned by the College of Policing Code of Ethics, which says ‘memberships of groups or societies, or associations with groups or individuals must not create an actual or apparent conflict of interest with police work and responsibilities.
The test is whether a reasonably informed member of the public might reasonably believe your association or membership could adversely affect your ability to discharge your policing duties effectively and impartially.’