Wiltshire Police demanding top professional standards from all staff
13 people have been dismissed from the organisation after misconduct hearings in the last year
The Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police says she's insisting her officers and staff conduct themselves with the highest possible professional standards.
The Force has held 19 misconduct hearings over the last 12 months.
14 of those were for officers, resulting the dismissal of 11 people, while five were for police staff, with two leaving the organisation.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper told Greatest Hits Radio her desire was for officers and staff to behave with 'absolute integrity', and encouraging the trust and confidence of the public, but she admitted that sadly that's not the case in Wiltshire, or indeed elsewhere.
But she's welcomed the increased number of reports from both within the organisation and from members of the public.
"I am glad that people are feeling the trust and confidence to raise concerns about the behaviour of my officers and staff," she said.
The Chief added: "My professional standards team have got busier actually because we've had more referrals in and they are glad to be doing that it means that we are tackling poor behaviour, be it upper and misconduct level or a criminal level."
Chief Constable Roper said anyone not behaving as they should in their role with the force isn't wanted at Wiltshire Police.
"They will not be providing you all the best service and they do not deserve to be part of our organisation," she said.
The clampdown will continue
The Chief says she's expecting further misconduct investigations in the future.
It follows the launch of an anonymous 'safe to say' reporting line within the organisation, encouraging officers and staff to report incidents.
Chief Roper apologised to anyone who's been subject to anything other than the most professional behaviour, adding that she's pleased people are coming forward, allowing incidents to be investigated.
"I've made it perfectly clear to my office as a staff, I will only tolerate the highest levels of professionalism and behaviour and inclusivity and respect internally and outside the organisation and where that is not happening then I need to address and I need to address it fast."