Does it feel like the situation could get heated or violent very soon? Is someone in immediate danger? Do you need support right away? If so, please call 999 now.
If you are the victim of crime or have witnessed any non-emergency incident occurring within the Northumbria Police area, you can call 101 or alternatively use the online reporting form.
In a non-emergency situation you can text us on: 07786 200814
For people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired: 07786 200815
If you are calling from outside of England & Wales, please call: (+ 44) 1661 872 555
If you want to report an incident, but you do not want to be identified to the police, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Crimestoppers will ask questions about the crime you have information on but will never ask questions about you. If you are at all concerned your call could be traced, reassure yourself by dialling 141 before 0800 555 111, which blocks your phone number. Or use a phone box – it's free. Because Crimestoppers is an 0800 number, calls are free from a landline and don't show up on a BT or cable phone bill.
Alternatively, you can report a crime anonymously with Crimestoppers online.
Provide us with any information that you feel could help us investigate suspected criminal activity. An example could be suspected drug dealing in your area, or providing us with information about an ongoing appeal or investigation.
It is really important that you provide as much accurate information as you can. Don’t assume that a particular piece of information is not relevant.
We appreciate any intelligence we receive, however this page is NOT monitored 24/7 and this form is to be used for non urgent intelligence only.
If your intelligence requires an immediate response please dial 999.
Crimestoppers is a charity that operates across the UK to help fight crime.
Built on the basis of a partnership between the police, the community and media, Crimestoppers is an invaluable service that enables anyone with details of criminal activity to pass them on to the police anonymously, without fear of exposure or retribution.
Rewards
Rewards are available for callers who provide information leading to the arrest and charge of an offender.
These rewards are funded by the Crimestoppers Trust, who are an independent registered charity.
Report it
If you wish to provide information anonymously, you can visit the Crimestoppers web page and use the Secure Contact Form or call the Crimestoppers telephone number 0800 555 111 at any time of the day or night, 365 days of the year.
Does it feel like the situation could get heated or violent very soon? Is someone in immediate danger? Do you need support right away? If so, please call 999 now.
The offence of dangerous driving under section 2 of the RTA 1988 is committed when a person's standard of driving falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver and it would be obvious to a competent and careful driver that driving in that way would be dangerous.
Dangerous driving is an either way offence carrying a level 5 fine and/or 6 months' custody in the magistrates' court.
In the Crown Court, the maximum penalty is 2 years' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
The offence of driving without due care and attention (careless driving) under section 3 of the RTA 1988 is committed when the defendant's driving falls below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver - section 3ZA(2) of the RTA 1988.
The maximum penalty is a level 5 fine. The court must also either endorse the driver's licence with between 3 and 9 penalty points (unless there are "special reasons" not to do so), or impose disqualification for a fixed period and/or until a driving test has been passed.
If you have captured and witnessed a dangerous or careless driving offence on the roads please submit your dash cam footage to support a possible investigation.
We ask that you ONLY submit footage that happened in the Northumbria force area.
If you suspect an immediate danger, please move away and call 999 now.
Reporting is quick and easy.
In an emergency always call 999.
If you’ve come across a website or online content (including emails, forums or social media) that you feel is of a violent extremist or terrorist nature, please report it using the UK government’s quick and anonymous online tool.
Specialist officers will assess your information and, where appropriate, investigate the website and work with partners to remove it.
Of course, if you suspect an immediate danger please call 999 now.
Not if you don’t want them to. We treat all of the information that you provide in the strictest of confidence. If we do need to get in touch for any reason we will be extremely discreet.
We ask everyone providing information to also give their name and contact details, but this is your decision. By providing your contact details this will help us verify the authenticity of the information and support you as quickly as possible if we need to.
If you’d prefer to give information anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
That’s OK. If you have a genuine concern about something you’ve seen or heard, we’d much rather you tell us than keep it to yourself. That way, our specially trained officers can look into it. If it turns out to be nothing, that’s good news.
The police and the courts treat hate crime very seriously. Hate crime is upsetting for victims and their friends and families, and creates hatred in communities. If you think you've been a victim of hate crime, you should report it as soon as possible. By reporting it when it happens to you, you may be able to prevent it happening to someone else. You will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can respond to it better.
Does it feel like the situation could get heated or violent very soon? Is someone in immediate danger? Do you need support right away? If so, please call 999 now.
Hate crime is any criminal offence that is targeted at a person or group of people because of prejudice or hostility, such as race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability.
A Hate Crime can include:
Anybody can report a hate crime including:
True Vision is a third party hate crime reporting website supported by all Police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. True Vision provides information for victims and the public about what hate crime is, why it is important to report it when it happens, and sets out the range of ways hate crime can be reported, including via a new online reporting form. The site also provides links to organisations that can offer support and advice on hate crime related issues.
The police will treat hate crime as a priority. The courts can also impose a more severe sentence than for a similar crime with no hate motive.
If a crime is happening now or someone is in immediate danger, call 999
If there's no immediate danger, use the online reporting form
Is this happening now? Do you need support right away? Does it feel like the situation could get heated or violent very soon? Is someone in immediate danger? If so, please call 999 now.
These are all possible offences you can report to us using our online form.
Examples of fraudulent activity include:
These are all possible offences you can report to us using our online form.
For issues such as online scams or viruses (Cyber Crime) or fraud, attempted fraud(inc Identity Fraud), where the offender is unknown to you, please report online to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime, the Action Fraud team can also provide the help, support and advice you need.
Alternatively, you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (textphone 0300 123 2050).
If you’ve witnessed antisocial behaviour of any kind, find out how to report it below.
Does it feel like the situation could get heated or violent very soon? Is someone in immediate danger? Do you need support right away? If so, please call 999 now.
Anti-social behaviour is any aggressive, intimidating or destructive activity that damages another person's quality of life. Whilst young people are often perceived to be the main offenders, it covers a whole host of crime and behaviour, from inconsiderate parking to noisy parties.
In this case, please contact your local council who should be able to trace the vehicle’s owner and arrange for it to be removed. They’ll most likely ask for the following:
Please make sure you have these details to hand.
If the animal is dangerous or its actions could put others at risk, please call 999 now.
If there's no immediate danger, use our online form. Please have the following information available, if possible.
In this case, please contact your local council, who should be able to investigate and take action if needed
Use our online form Please have the following information available, if possible.
In this case, please contact your local council who should be able to investigate and take action if needed.
They’ll most likely ask for the following:
Please have these details to hand.
Use our online form. Please have the following information available, if possible.
Contact your phone service provider, they should be able to suggest several ways to screen and block incoming calls.
If the calls are indecent, threatening or obscene use our online form. Please have the following information available, if possible.
If the nuisance noise is from a single one-off event, please contact your local council’s Noise Team, who should be able to investigate and advise you on the next steps.
If the nuisance noise is causing an ongoing disruption, use our online form.
Please have these details to hand:
Use our online form. Please have the following information available, if possible.
Use our online form. Please have the following information available, if possible.
Use our online form. Please have the following information available, if possible.
Trespassing considered to be antisocial behaviour covers those situations where people have entered land, including water, or premises without lawful authority or permission. This includes taking unauthorised short cuts through a garden or building. It also includes people trespassing on railways and other private or industrial land.
In this case, use our online form. Please have the following information available, if possible.
Use our online form. Please have the following information available, if possible.
Please contact your local council who will be able to investigate and advise you on the next steps
Lost property
If you have lost an item of property, we recommend that you make reasonable enquiries in the area. If lost on public transport, we recommend you contact the operator. If you have lost the item in a shopping centre, pub, leisure centre etc., contact the premises directly.
We recommend that you register your property using Immobilise. Any item with a serial or identification number can be registered free of charge. Immobilise offer a reporting service at Report my Loss. Please note that there is a fee for using this service, however they can provide a reference number for insurance claims.
Passports and driving licences
If you are reporting a lost or stolen foreign national passport, please visit your local police station in person. Please check station opening times here before you attend.
Any other passports or driving licences should be reported directly to the Passport Office online or DVLA online.
Please note, if a passport or drivers licence is handed into the police station, they will be forwarded on to the DVLA or Passport Office. They will not be returned to members of the public for security measures.
Found property
Northumbria Police do not routinely accept items of found property. However if you find any of the following items, then please hand them in to the nearest police station:
Most public service organisations have their own lost/found property department. They should always be contacted in the first instance.
We recommend recording any lost or found property at Immobilise or Report my Loss.
Seized Property
If you have had property seized by police and would like to query its return, you must contact and speak with the officer in charge directly. You can make contact with the officer by calling 101 or using our follow up my crime form.
Northumbria Police do not issue reference numbers for lost property. You can obtain a lost property reference number if you report your lost phone at Report My Loss.
You must contact the officer in charge of the case directly to discuss the return of the property. Usually the officer will arrange for a letter to be sent to your last known home address informing you to contact Northumbria Police to arrange a collection. This letter will usually contain a property reference number with details stating where to collect the property from.
If you’re a foreign national, you may need to register with us shortly after you arrive. If this is the case, it should be written on your entry-visa vignette (an extra page stuck in your passport), biometric residence permit (BRP) or your Home Office letter approving your application for leave.
Find out more below about who needs to register with us, who is exempt and how to get a police registration certificate (PRC).
Tel: 0191 437 5616
Email: media@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
Our media office is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
This contact is for media enquiries only and not for general members of the public
If you are a member of the public, in an emergency dial 999. To report a non-emergency incident dial 101 or use our online reporting form.
We match our dogs to potential owners. If you’re interested in owning a police dog, please fill out an application form and you’ll be added to our database. If we have a dog that could be a match to you, only then will we make contact. Northumbria Police only re-house our dogs as pets and not for them to be used as guard dogs or for breeding purpose.
If you're interested in rehoming one of our dogs simply fill out an application form. Please note this does not guarantee an adoption.
** You will only be contacted if a suitable dog becomes available**
Unfortunately we will not be able to reply to every application. The rehoming database is not a waiting list; we like to match each dog to the most appropriate home.
If we have a dog which we think you match with we will make contact with you by phone to arrange a suitable time for you to meet the dog and for a ‘home check’ at your address.
During the rehoming process a Police Officer from The Dog Section will conduct a check of police records to assess your suitability as a potential owner.
Provided the initial police checks and the home address are satisfactory then the fee for the dog would be agreed and the new owner signs to accept responsibility for ownership of the dog. Fees for our dogs range depending on that particular dog’s age, medical needs, pedigree and breeding. Only at this stage will the dog be handed over to the new owner.
New owners will be advised of any safety considerations with regards to the dog’s temperament dependent upon the police training it has received.
The new owner will be advised that if within 28 days of rehoming the dog there is an issue which makes it unsuitable for them or their family then The Dog Section will accept return of the dog and the purchase cost will be reimbursed.
All dogs under the rehoming scheme are microchipped and it is a legal requirement of the new owner to have the microchip details updated to reflect the change in ownership.
Northumbria Police are always open to the offer of dogs which may make the grade as Police dogs. We may be interested in German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois for use as General Purpose Police dogs and Springer/Cocker Spaniels for specialist work.
If you have a dog which meets these requirements and has high drive and confidence (not necessarily aggression) and you would like to have it considered for the role, then please telephone 101 extension 74492/62760 or email 1493@northumbria.pnn.police.uk with the details of your dog e.g. age, sex, etc.
A Safeguarding Disclosure request allows members of the public to apply for either:
The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme enables the police to disclose information to parents, guardians and carers about the previous sexual offending history of an individual who has access to or contact with a child or children to help them better safeguard their children’s safety and welfare.
Anyone can make an application through the scheme about an individual and this can include any third party such as a grandparent, neighbour or friend.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme enables the police to disclose information to a member of the public about the previous violent offending history of a new, existing or previous partner so they can make informed decisions about protecting themselves from the risk of harm.
The Scheme is split into two parts; The Right to Ask and the Right to Know:
If there is an immediate or imminent risk of harm to an individual please call 999 now and this will be dealt with urgently through existing procedures. If there is no immediate risk then the process will normally be completed within 45 days for Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme and 35 days for Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.
You must complete as much detail as you can within the form, especially ensuring that the subject of the application is clearly identified. We cannot accept speculative applications where no subject is identifiable.
Before any disclosure is made, you will normally be contacted by the police to verify your identity, verify your relationship with the person believed to pose the risk (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) and verify your relationship to the child or children (Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme).
In relation to the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, any disclosure will only be made to the parent, carer or guardian best placed to protect the child or children. Any third party making the application would not necessarily receive disclosure if they were not best placed to protect the child or children.
In relation to the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, disclosure will be made to the person best placed to safeguard the person at risk, which in most cases will be the person at risk themselves. It is unlikely that disclosure will be made to any third party making an application although each application will be considered on an individual basis.
The aim of both schemes is to provide members of the public with information to allow them to make informed decisions about their relationship, their safety and the welfare of their children.
If the individual has convictions for sexual offences against children and disclosure is necessary to protect the child or children, there is a presumption that the information will be disclosed. This may also apply to other information linked to violent offending or other offending behaviour if the individual is deemed as posing a risk of causing harm to the child or children concerned.
If the individual has convictions for domestic violence or violent offending and disclosure is necessary to inform an individual of the risk of harm a person poses, there is a presumption that the information will be disclosed.
Information released in the disclosure is confidential, should not be shared, and will not be released to the general public at any time. The person receiving the disclosure will be expected to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Both the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme and Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme do not replace existing arrangements for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, Subject Access and Freedom of Information requests, Private Law Protocol or Safeguarding Children procedures and Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements but instead add to these procedures already in place.
The Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) scheme relates to the right of victims of crime to request a review of a Police decision in cases where a suspect has been identified, interviewed under caution and the Police then make a decision either:
Police Victims’ Right to Review (VRR) will only apply to decisions that were made on or after 1st April 2015. The scheme does not apply retrospectively to decisions taken before that date. The scheme applies to National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS) offences.
Any victim in a qualifying case where a decision has been made not to prosecute a suspect is entitled to ask for a review of that decision.
The definition of a victim is taken from the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime 2013 and is defined as “a person that has suffered harm, including physical, mental or emotional harm or economic loss which was directly caused by criminal conduct.”
This includes:
Victims wishing to request a review will need to do so by using our Review Form
The review will be undertaken by an officer, at least one rank higher than the decision maker, who has not had any involvement in the investigation.
The reviewing officer will notify the victim of the outcome in writing unless it is inappropriate or the victim has stated this is not their preferred method of contact.
Learning points from outcomes will be shared appropriately.
If a review reveals issues of misconduct or under-performance these will be dealt with in the normal manner.You will need to provide the following:
Victims can request a review within 3 months of being notified of the decision.
Requests from victims will be acknowledged by Northumbria Police within 10 working days.
Where possible, the review will be completed and the decision communicated to the victim within 30 working days by Northumbria Police. When this is not possible, the victim should be notified and updated regularly on the progress of the review.
For some offences there are time limits of 6 months for taking proceedings, this is set out below in Section 127 of the Magistrates Court Act 1980Magistrates Court Act 1980 - 127 Limitation of time
(1)Except as otherwise expressly provided by any enactment and subject to subsection (2) below, a magistrates’ court shall not try an information or hear a complaint unless the information was laid, or the complaint made, within 6 months from the time when the offence was committed, or the matter of complaint arose.
(2)Nothing in—(a)subsection (1) above; or (b)subject to subsection (4) below, any other enactment (however framed or worded) which, as regards any offence to which it applies, would but for this section impose a time-limit on the power of a magistrates’ court to try an information summarily or impose a limitation on the time for taking summary proceedings, shall apply in relation to any indictable offence.
(3)Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (b) of subsection (2) above, that paragraph includes enactments which impose a time-limit that applies only in certain circumstances (for example, where the proceedings are not instituted by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions or some other specified authority).
(4)Where, as regards any indictable offence, there is imposed by any enactment (however framed or worded, and whether falling within subsection (2) (b) above or not) a limitation on the time for taking proceedings on indictment for that offence no summary proceedings for that offence shall be taken after the latest time for taking proceedings on indictment.
A victim who is unhappy with the outcome of the review can pursue the matter further if they wish by applying to the high court for a judicial review.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000 was implemented on 1 January 2005. The Act aims to make organisations like the police service more accountable to the public, giving a better understanding of how public authorities carry out their duties, make their decisions and spend public money.
Upon receipt of a request, if we don't have the information we will let you know as soon as possible.
A response will be supplied within 20 working days.
Please note that, in common with all other public authorities, where disclosure is made, Northumbria Police will publish requests and responses on the force Disclosure Log.
To help us quickly find the information you need, please:
Please note, should you require copies of data that may be held specifically about you, please visit our Data Protection Page which provides information on how to make a subject access request.
Your feedback helps to shape us.
Policing is often carried out under difficult conditions. There may be times when you think we haven’t delivered the service you expect. Good or bad, your experience could help improve Policing across Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.
We are committed to preventing crime, protecting the vulnerable and helping those in need.
You can make a complaint if you:
If you want to make a complaint on behalf of another person, you will need to have their written permission. This does not apply if you are the parent or guardian of a child aged 16 or under and wish to complain on their behalf.
There is no time limit for making your complaint. You should try and make your complaint as quickly as possible. If a complaint is made a long time after the incident, it can be more difficult to obtain evidence.
If your complaint is made more than 12 months after the latest incident, you will be asked to explain why your complaint has been delayed. Northumbria Police will consider your explanation and decide whether to deal with your complaint.
Northumbria Police will consider your complaint and make a decision about whether to record it.
You can expect to hear from Northumbria Police within 10 working days about whether your complaint has been recorded and, if it has not, the reason why.
By law, Northumbria Police must refer certain complaints to the IOPC, including those that include an allegation of serious corruption or serious assault.
If your complaint is referred to the IOPC, they will decide who investigates it. It may be investigated independently by the IOPC or it may be returned to Northumbria Police for local investigation.
If your complaint is not referred to the IOPC it will be dealt with by Northumbria Police either by local resolution or local investigation.
Local resolution is a way of understanding your complaint and resolving it by explaining, clearing up or settling the matter directly with you. Local resolution is not seeking to establish blame or wrongdoing but is aiming to resolve your complaint.
The person conducting the local resolution will normally meet with you and discuss with you what a realistic outcome to your complaint may be. A local resolution action plan may be agreed recording what actions are going to be undertaken to resolve your complaint.
The action plan may include a request for the officers or staff complained about to provide a verbal or written account of an incident.
Once the action plan has been completed, you will be provided with a record of the outcome. This will usually be a written record of the outcome of the actions undertaken.
Once the local resolution process is completed, your complaint will be closed. You will be provided with information about your right to appeal if you are unhappy with the outcome.
The purpose of an investigation is to establish the facts behind a complaint and reach conclusions. This includes whether those subject of the investigation have a case to answer for misconduct, gross misconduct or unsatisfactory performance.
It is also an opportunity to capture any individual and organisational learning.
The investigation should be fair, reasonable and objective and based on evidence. The investigation must be proportionate having regard to the nature of the allegation and any likely outcome.
A suitably qualified and experienced investigator will be appointed and should provide you with meaningful updates on the progress of the investigation at least every 28 days.
At the end of the investigation you will be provided with the outcome in the form of a letter or a report. You will receive a clear explanation of what has happened based upon the facts established in the investigation and what action is being taken. You will be provided with information about your right to appeal if you are unhappy with the outcome.
The possible outcomes of the complaint investigation are:
If you’d like to say thanks or make a complaint we’d like to hear from you.
Get in touch using the online tool below.
If you’re unhappy about the outcome of your complaint, or about the way your complaint has been handled, you can appeal.
An appeal is a final opportunity to ask the Relevant Appeal Body to consider whether your complaint was adequately investigated or locally resolved and, if not, what needs to be done to address any outstanding matters.
Some appeals are handled by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and some by Northumbria Police. To find out who should handle your appeal, please check the letter you received telling you the outcome of your complaint. You should send your appeal to the correct organisation. The letter you received will tell you when your appeal must be received.
You can appeal against the investigation into a complaint if:
You cannot appeal if your complaint relates to a direction and control issue.
You can appeal against the outcome of a local resolution if:
Once you have made your appeal it will be assessed using all the available papers and supporting evidence that you and the investigator have supplied. The person looking at your appeal will make their decision based on a range of factors. Once the appeal decision of either ‘upheld’ or ‘not upheld’ is made, you will be written to with an explanation of the reasons for the decision.
Appeal decisions are final. This means that they can only be overturned by the courts through the judicial review process. You should seek independent legal advice if you intend to pursue this course of action.
You may be able to appeal if the complaints process was stopped before an investigation into your complaint began. This situation happens when the police force involved makes a ‘decision to disapply’.
You can appeal if you think the police should not have decided to disapply.
You cannot appeal if your complaint is about a direction and control issue (this does not apply if your complaint is about a contractor), or if the IOPC gave the police force permission to disapply.
You may be able to appeal if a police force decides to end the investigation it is carrying out into your complaint.
You can appeal this decision if you do not think the police should have discontinued the investigation.
Please note, you cannot appeal when the complaint relates to a direction and control issue (this does not apply if your complaint is about a contractor), or if the IOPC gave the police force permission to disapply.
Appeal against the decision to discontinue an investigation form
Please return your completed appeal form to:
Professional Standards Department
Newcastle City Centre Police Station
Forth Banks
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 3PH
Alternatively attach your completed appeal form and return by e-mail to:
professionalstandards@northumbira.pnn.police.uk
All appeals must be returned by the appeal expiry date as indicated on your decision letter.
The below number is the confidential reporting line for you to report ANY matters you wish to bring to the attention of the Counter Corruption Unit, regarding criminal and/ or unethical behaviour you have witnessed or are aware of within the Force.
Examples of the type of behaviour you may wish to report are:
ANY reporting, will be handled in the strictest confidence and your identity will be protected.
Confidential Reporting Number
Tel: 01912219591
northumbria-confidential-hotline@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
Corruption Reporting Mailbox
countercorruptionunit@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
Abuse of position for a sexual purpose
The abuse of position for a sexual purpose is defined as:
'any behaviour by a police officer or police staff member (including volunteers or staff contracted into police roles), whether on or off duty, that takes advantage of their position as a member of the police service to misuse their position, authority or powers in order to pursue a sexual or improper emotional relationship with any member of the public'.
This includes: committing a sexual act, initiating sexual contact with, or responding to any perceived sexually motivated behaviour from another person; entering into any communication that could be perceived as sexually motivated or lewd; or for any other sexual purpose.
The majority of police officers and police staff (including volunteers or staff contracted into police roles) are hardworking, professional and deliver an excellent service, however, sadly corruption of this kind does occurs in all forces and we all have a responsibility to prevent it and to protect all sections of the community, most notably the vulnerable.
People who are particularly vulnerable to such abuse include those suffering mental ill health, those with learning difficulties, juveniles, those who are drug or alcohol dependent, victims of abuse and victims of an alarming or traumatic experience.
Possible warning signs:
• The perception of an officer as a ‘knight in shining armour’. This might manifest itself as gushing praise.
• Victim has a ‘favourite officer’ or frequently requests a certain officer
• Unexpected visits / welfare checks by the officer
• Domestic abuse investigation is steered towards low level/ quick resolution
• Physical contact
• Flirtatious behaviour
• Nicknames/pet names
• Unnecessary communication i.e. through social media/phone/email
• Kisses on end of messages (‘x’) or other sexualised comments
• Contact or visits off duty
• Presents/gifts/letters
• Continued contact after an incident or case is concluded
• Victim will often not see that there is anything wrong with the relationship and how it started
Reporting Options
The below number is the confidential reporting line for you to report ANY matters you wish to bring to the attention of the Police Counter Corruption Unit, regarding criminal and / or unethical behaviour you have witnessed or are aware of within the Force.
Examples of the type of behaviour you may wish to report are, Disclosing of confidential information, Criminal associations and Abuse of position for sexual gain.
ANY reporting, will be handled in the strictest confidence and your identity will be protected.
Confidential Reporting Number
Tel: 01912219591
northumbria-confidential-hotline@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
Issue
Misconduct meetings have revealed issues around officers/staff accessing data on the Force Computer System without a policing purpose.
Lessons
Issues around confidentiality have been addressed during Professional Standards Department (PSD) presentations to all officers/staff across the Force during 2017 and 2018. An awareness of the impact/outcome of any breaches was highlighted during these inputs. A Force Wide bulletin was also circulated.
Outcomes
Reduce/Prevent breaches of the Data Protection Act 1998/Computer Misuse Act 1990 and the Professional Standards of Behaviour; Confidentiality.
Further Details
Professional Standards Department has carried out a number of investigations where police officers/police staff have allegedly accessed confidential and personal information on the Force Computer System without a policing purpose. Such action, if proven, would be a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour i.e. confidentiality.
Such actions may also constitute a criminal offence under Section 55 Data Protection Act 1998 and/or Section 1 Computer Misuse Act 1990.
So that lessons can be learned, officers/staff need to be aware that any confidential and personal information they access on the Force Computer System must be related to their role and/or for a policing purpose.
Failure to comply may result in individuals facing criminal prosecutions/convictions at court and regulatory action against the Force undertaken by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
To ensure that all officers and staff understand their personal responsibility when using Northumbria Police ICT Systems there is an Acceptable Use Policy which they are asked to read.
Adhering to this policy safeguards confidential and sensitive information, protecting officers/staff and the reputation of the Force.
Issue
Increase in the number of persons who have been brought unnecessarily into custody whilst heavily under the influence of alcohol, drugs and other intoxicants.
Lessons
Amendments have been made to the Force Policy/Procedure on drunk and incapable to bring them up to date. A lessons learned bulletin was circulated Force wide and published on the force intranet site, providing guidance on how to deal with persons who present in such a way.
Outcomes
Medical attention provided to persons who present as drunk and incapable at the earliest opportunity. Prevent/reduce the risk of deaths in custody.
Further Details
There was an increase in the number of persons brought unnecessarily into custody whilst heavily under the influence of alcohol, drugs and other intoxicants.
CCTV within custody suites has shown that these individuals have been:
Persons who present in this condition should be treated in hospital rather than taken to a custody suite. The medical services at a Police Station are not equipped to provide the extensive care such detainees require.
Where a police officer/PCSO deals with a person who is drunk and incapable and/or heavily under the influence of drugs or intoxicants they will:
Where a person has declined or has been refused treatment this does not absolve the police or medical services of their responsibility. A dynamic risk assessment should be carried out taking into account all of the given circumstances. Officers should have an understanding of the drunk and incapable protocol between Northumbria Police and the North East Ambulance Service which will assist in the decision making process.
However, arrest and detention at a custody suite should only occur in exceptional circumstances as appropriate medical treatment is delayed and increases the risk to all parties.
In instances where detainees are drunk/under the influence of drugs but are not deemed to be ‘incapable’, officers need to be confident that the person is fit to be transported to a custody suite and monitor their condition throughout the journey.
It is important to understand that a person who presents as being drunk and disorderly may in fact have another medical condition. Further information can be found on the College of Policing APP Guidance on Detention and Custody: Alcohol and Drugs.
Any person with a head injury or open wound which requires medical attention should go directly to hospital for treatment.
Update July 2018:
Issue
Further cases were referred to Professional Standards Department (PSD) where it was evident that persons deemed incapable through drink and/or drugs were still being arrested, transported and presented in custody.
Lessons
A Bulletin was sent out to front line officers on 6 July 2018 in relation to this issue.
A video was compiled by Learning and Development Department with the assistance from the Head of the Custody Unit and this was sent out to all front line officers to view.
Outcomes
Embed the message sent out in previous bulletins, informing officers that persons presenting as such need to be taken straight to hospital.
Prevent/reduce the number of Death and Serious Injury (DSI) incidents within Custody.
Issue
Missing persons who have subsequently been found deceased in circumstances which have resulted in mandatory referrals to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to police contact. Concerns were identified around the risk assessments carried out either at the time the person(s) was reported missing or during the period prior to them being found.
Lessons
A review of the training provided to silver/bronze commanders was carried out, particularly around risk assessments.
Outcomes
Review and implementation of further training to officers supervising missing person investigations.
Issue
Officers/staff using their professional position to establish or pursue a sexual or improper emotional relationship with any current or former victim, offender or witness, or using contact with them to pursue a relationship with someone close to them.
Lessons
During 2017 and 2018 Presentations/Briefings have been delivered by Professional Standards Department (PSD) staff to all officers/staff across the force on Maintaining Professional Boundaries.
Presentations/briefings have been delivered on the same issue by PSD staff to partners/agencies.
Outcome
To Prevent this serious form of corruption and highlight the importance of reporting any concerns/suspicions in relation to colleagues.
Further Details
The abuse of position for a sexual purpose is defined as:
"any behaviour by a police officer or police staff member*, whether on or off duty, that takes advantage of their position as a member of the police service to misuse their position, authority or powers in order to pursue a sexual or improper emotional relationship with any member of the public"
This includes: committing a sexual act, initiating sexual contact with, or responding to any perceived sexually motivated behaviour from another person; entering into any communication that could be perceived as sexually motivated or lewd; or for any other sexual purpose. (*including volunteers or staff contracted into police roles)
The Standards of Professional Behaviour state that:
"We do not use our professional position to establish or pursue a sexual or improper emotional relationship with anyone with whom we come into contact with in the course of our work, who is vulnerable to an abuse of trust or power."