Please be aware we’re making some improvements and building a new website. You can still report incidents, tell us about general intelligence or talk to us on live chat on this site. Thanks for your patience.
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 use our online reporting form below.
For general enquiries text us on: 07786 200814. Remember to report a crime or incident please use our report an incident form.
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.
Click the button below to share information that you feel could help us investigate a suspected crime or safeguard someone who needs our help. For example, you might want to tell us about suspected drug dealing in your area, tell us something about an ongoing appeal or investigation that could help the case. Or you could tell us about a neighbour who you’re worried might be a victim of domestic abuse.
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.
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 dashcam footage to support a possible investigation.
We ask that you ONLY submit footage that happened in the Northumbria force area.
We’ll ask you to submit a statement of the incident you’ve captured.
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 behaviour of one person towards another is domestic abuse if:
We define people who are ‘personally connected’ as: intimate partners, ex-partners, family members or individuals who share parental responsibility for a child. There is no requirement for the victim and perpetrator to live in the same household.
Abusive behaviour includes:
Does your partner ever:
The person abusing you may hurt you in a number of ways.
Does your partner ever:
Sexual abuse can happen to anyone.
Does your partner ever:
Does your partner ever:
Does your partner ever:
If there is no incident happening now and you are not in any immediate danger, you can contact the police by calling 101.
Or use our online reporting form
Our priority is your safety, we will seek to take positive action where appropriate and deal with offenders through the courts where possible.
We'll update you and support will be available throughout our investigation.
The majority of police officers, staff and volunteers are hardworking, professional and deliver an excellent service. However, some are sadly still capable of falling below the high standards set by the force. We have a responsibility to prevent domestic abuse, protect against the risks of having domestic abuse perpetrators in police roles, and to protect all sections of the community from it.
Some victims of domestic abuse at the hands of police officers, staff and volunteers may find it more difficult to report given the unique nature of it and position of the abuser. Northumbria Police will not tolerate its employees perpetrating abuse of any form and will ensure reports of domestic abuse will be investigated thoroughly, with impartiality and confidentiality, and appropriate support provided regardless of the position of the perpetrator. The position of the perpetrator should not be a barrier to reporting. Any allegation that a police workforce member has used their police status, knowledge and powers to deter a victim from reporting, to harm or discredit them or to undermine a police investigation will be treated with utmost seriousness.
The behaviour of one person towards another is domestic abuse if:
We define people who are ‘personally connected’ as: intimate partners, ex-partners, family members or individuals who share parental responsibility for a child. There is no requirement for the victim and perpetrator to live in the same household.
Abusive behaviour includes:
If you are concerned you or someone you know might be a victim of police perpetrated domestic abuse please speak to our Professional Standards Department:
Or you can complain to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)
Confidential Reporting Number
Police Integrity Line
Tel: 0800 111 4444
northumbria-confidential-hotline@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
If you live in Northumberland and want to speak to someone independent to the police. Here's a list of support agencies that can help.
DASSN –Domestic Abuse Support Service Northumberland 01670 820199 Visit: livingplus.placesforpeople.co.uk/DASSN
NDAS – Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service 01434 608030 Visit: www.nda.services
Cygnus Support (mental health & emotional wellbeing) 01670 853977 Visit: cygnussupport.com
Grace (Northumberland Rape Crisis) 0800 0352794 Visit: gracenrc.org.uk
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Rape & Sexual Assault Counselling (REACH) 03333 448283 Visit: reachsarc.org.uk
Northumbria Victim & Witness Service (NVWS) 0800 011 3116 NVWS@northumbria.police.uk
The Forced Marriage Protection Unit support and advice for victims of forced marriage 020 7008 0151 fmu@fco.gov.uk
The Angelou Centre (BAME women and children, women with no recourse to public funds) 0191 2260394 Visit: angelou-centre.org.uk
The Halo Project (Honour Based Abuse/Forced Marriage) 01642 683 045 Visit: haloproject.org.uk
Community Counselling Co-operative - Supporting male victims of domestic violence in Northumbria 07549 698 050 or 07549 698 049
If you live in North Tyneside and want to speak to someone independent to the police. Here's a list of support agencies that can help.
Harbour 0191 2513305 Visit:myharbour.org.uk
Acorns Project Support for children and young people 0191 349 8366 Visit: acornsproject.org.uk
Rape Crisis Tyneside & Northumberland 0800 035 2794 Visit: www.rctn.org.uk
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Rape & Sexual Assault Counselling (REACH) 03333 448283 Visit: reachsarc.org.uk
Northumbria Victim & Witness Service (NVWS) 0800 011 3116 NVWS@northumbria.police.uk
The Forced Marriage Protection Unit support and advice for victims of forced marriage 020 7008 0151 fmu@fco.gov.uk
The Angelou Centre (BAME women and children, women with no recourse to public funds) 0191 2260394 Visit: angelou-centre.org.uk
The Halo Project (Honour Based Abuse/Forced Marriage) 01642 683 045 Visit: haloproject.org.uk
Community Counselling Co-operative - Supporting male victims of domestic violence in Northumbria 07549 698 050 or 07549 698 049
If you live in Gateshead and want to speak to someone independent to the police. Here's a list of support agencies that can help.
Domestic Abuse Service Gateshead 0191 4333333
Jewish Womens Aid 0808 801 0500 Visit: www.jwa.og.uk
Rape Crisis Tyneside & Northumberland 0800 035 2794 Visit: www.rctn.org.uk
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Rape & Sexual Assault Counselling (REACH) 03333 448283 Visit:reachsarc.org.uk
Northumbria Victim & Witness Service (NVWS) 0800 011 3116 NVWS@northumbria.police.uk
The Forced Marriage Protection Unit support and advice for victims of forced marriage 020 7008 0151 fmu@fco.gov.uk
The Angelou Centre (BAME women and children, women with no recourse to public funds) 0191 2260394 Visit: angelou-centre.org.uk
The Halo Project (Honour Based Abuse/Forced Marriage) 01642 683 045 Visit: haloproject.org.uk
Community Counselling Co-operative - Supporting male victims of domestic violence in Northumbria 07549 698 050 or 07549 698 049
If you live in Newcastle and want to speak to someone independent to the police. Here's a list of support agencies that can help.
NIDAS – Newcastle Integrated Domestic Abuse Services 0191 2146501 Visit: www.newcastleidas.co.uk
West End Women and Girls DV Peer Educators 0781 2981430 Visit:westendwomenandgirls.co.uk
Newcastle Women’s Aid 0191 261 0504 or 0800 9232622 Visit:newcastlewomensaid.org.uk
Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland 0800 035 2794 Visit: www.rctn.org.uk
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Rape & Sexual Assault Counselling (REACH) 03333 448283 Visit:reachsarc.org.uk
Northumbria Victim & Witness Service (NVWS) 0800 011 3116 NVWS@northumbria.police.uk
The Forced Marriage Protection Unit support and advice for victims of forced marriage 020 7008 0151 fmu@fco.gov.uk
The Angelou Centre (BAME women and children, women with no recourse to public funds) 0191 2260394 Visit: angelou-centre.org.uk
The Halo Project (Honour Based Abuse/Forced Marriage) 01642 683 045Visit: haloproject.org.uk
Community Counselling Co-operative - Supporting male victims of domestic violence in Northumbria 07549 698 050 or 07549 698 049
If you live in South Tyneside and want to speak to someone independent to the police. Here's a list of support agencies that can help.
Impact Family Services 0191 4567577 or 0737 5788835
Jewish Womens Aid 0808 801 0500 Visit: www.jwa.og.uk
Rape Crisis Tyneside & Northumberland 0800 035 2794 Visit: www.rctn.org.uk
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Rape & Sexual Assault Counselling (REACH) 03333 448283 Visit: reachsarc.org.uk
Northumbria Victim & Witness Service (NVWS) 0800 011 3116 NVWS@northumbria.police.uk
The Forced Marriage Protection Unit support and advice for victims of forced marriage 020 7008 0151 fmu@fco.gov.uk
The Angelou Centre (BAME women and children, women with no recourse to public funds) 0191 2260394 Visit:angelou-centre.org.uk
The Halo Project (Honour Based Abuse/Forced Marriage) 01642 683 045 Visit: haloproject.org.uk
Community Counselling Co-operative - Supporting male victims of domestic violence in Northumbria 07549 698 050 or 07549 698 049
If you live in Sunderland and want to speak to someone independent to the police. Here's a list of support agencies that can help.
Wearside Women in Need 0800 0665555 Visit:www.wwin.org.uk
Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland 0800 035 2794 Visit:www.rctn.org.uk
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Rape & Sexual Assault Counselling (REACH) 03333 448283 Visit:reachsarc.org.uk
Northumbria Victim & Witness Service (NVWS) 0800 011 3116 NVWS@northumbria.police.uk
The Forced Marriage Protection Unit support and advice for victims of forced marriage 020 7008 0151 fmu@fco.gov.uk
The Angelou Centre (BAME women and children, women with no recourse to public funds) 0191 2260394 Visit: angelou-centre.org.uk
The Halo Project (Honour Based Abuse/Forced Marriage) 01642 683 045 Visit: haloproject.org.uk
Community Counselling Co-operative - Supporting male victims of domestic violence in Northumbria 07549 698 050 or 07549 698 049
A personal safety plan is a way of helping you to protect yourself and your children.
It helps you plan in advance for the possibility of future violence and abuse.
It also helps you to think about how you can increase your safety either within the relationship, or if you decide to leave.
Local authorities have a legal duty to provide help to certain people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
You will qualify for help if you are eligible for assistance, legally homeless or threatened with homelessness and not intentionally homeless.
You must also be in priority need. The local authority may also investigate whether you have a local connection with the area.
You will normally be considered to be legally homeless if it is not reasonable for you to occupy your home because of the risk or fear of domestic violence.
Local authorities should deal sympathetically with applications from people who are in fear of violence. You can ask for a private interview, with someone of the same sex, and can take a friend with you for support.
The local authority may have a duty to provide emergency accommodation for you while it decides whether you are legally homeless.
If it is outside of normal office hours, you should telephone the local authority's emergency out-of-hours number for help with emergency housing.
If it is outside of normal office hours, you should telephone the local authority's emergency out-of-hours number for help with emergency housing.
Office and out of hours: 0345 600 6400
Shelter – housing advice. For advice or guidance, call 0344 515 1601 between the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
If it is outside of normal office hours, you should telephone the local authority's emergency out-of-hours number for help with emergency housing.
Office hours: 0191 643 252
Out of hours: 0330 333 7475
Shelter – housing advice. For advice or guidance, call 0344 515 1601 between the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
If it is outside of normal office hours, you should telephone the local authority's emergency out-of-hours number for help with emergency housing.
Office hours: 0191 433 3174
Out of hours: 0191 477 0844
Shelter – housing advice. For advice or guidance, call 0344 515 1601 between the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
If it is outside of normal office hours, you should telephone the local authority's emergency out-of-hours number for help with emergency housing.
Office hours: 0191 277 1712 or 0191 277 1716
Out of hours: 0191 278 7878 (speak to the operator and ask for the emergency homeless service)
Shelter – housing advice. For advice or guidance, call 0344 515 1601 between the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
If it is outside of normal office hours, you should telephone the local authority's emergency out-of-hours number for help with emergency housing.
Office hours: 0300 123 6633
Out of hours: 0191 4562093
Shelter – housing advice. For advice or guidance, call 0344 515 1601 between the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
If it is outside of normal office hours, you should telephone the local authority's emergency out-of-hours number for help with emergency housing.
Office hours: 0800 2346084
Out of hours: 0191 520 555
Shelter – housing advice. For advice or guidance, call 0344 515 1601 between the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Listen to them try to understand and take care not to blame. Tell them that they are not alone and that there are many others like them in the same situation.
Acknowledge that it takes strength to trust someone enough to talk to them about experiencing abuse. Give them time to talk, but don’t push them to go into too much detail if they don’t want to.
Acknowledge that they are in a frightening and very difficult situation.
Tell them that no one deserves to be threatened or beaten, despite what their abuser has told them. Nothing they can do or say can justify the abuser’s behaviour.
Support them as a friend. Encourage them to express their feelings, whatever they are. Allow them to make their own decisions.
Don’t tell them to leave the relationship if they are not ready to do this. This is their decision.
Ask if they have suffered physical harm. If so, offer to go with them to a hospital or to see their GP.
Be ready to provide information on organisations that offer help to abused persons and their children. Explore the available options with them.
Go with them to visit a solicitor if they are ready to take this step.
Plan safe strategies for leaving an abusive relationship.
Let them create their own boundaries of what they think is safe and what is not safe; don’t urge them to follow any strategies that they expresses doubt about.
Offer your friend the use of your address and/or telephone number to leave information and messages, and tell them you will look after an emergency bag if they want this.
Look after yourself while you are supporting someone through such a difficult and emotional time. Ensure that you do not put yourself into a dangerous situation; for example, do not offer to talk to the abuser about your friend or let yourself be seen by the abuser as a threat to their relationship.
Help them to report the incident to the police if they wish to do so.
If they're in immediate danger, you should report this to the police as soon as possible by calling 999.
If there is no incident happening now and you know they are not in any immediate danger, you can contact the police by calling 101.
Or use our online reporting form
The Respect Phoneline is an anonymous and confidential helpline for men and women who are harming their partners and families. They provide specialist advice and guidance to help people change their behaviours and support for those working with domestic abuse perpetrators.
Call: 0808 8024040 or visit: www.respectphoneline.org.uk
It takes strength to admit that you are abusing your partner. If you really want to change, you can.
Violence is learned behaviour. You can unlearn it – but you will only be successful if you can:
Clare’s Law is a national scheme that ensures people can make informed decisions about their relationship and escape if necessary. Absolutely anyone can apply to use Clare’s Law and request information from Northumbria Police.
The domestic violence disclosure scheme is free and always 100% confidential. So if you’re worried about your own relationship, or someone else’s, ask us to check the record- you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
You can make a domestic violence disclosure request by pressing the button below.
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:
Report hate crime to the police
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 our online reporting form below.
True Vision
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.
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.
Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, is where you should report if you’ve been a victim of fraud or cyber crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Action Fraud is hosted by City of London Police as national policing lead for fraud.
You can report fraud or cybercrime to Action Fraud 24/7 via the online reporting tool. The tool will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened and advisors are available on web chat 24 hours a day to give you help and advice if you need it.
Alternatively:
Call 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm. If you are calling from outside of England & Wales, please call: +44 300 123 2040
If you are a business, charity or other organisation that is suffering a live cyber attack, please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 immediately where specialist advisors are waiting to take you call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Reports to Action Fraud are sent to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) which assesses the reports in order to identity those cases presenting the best opportunity for police forces and other law enforcement agencies to investigate. The NFIB is also hosted by the City of London Police.
The NFIB’s systems assess reports of fraud and cyber crime which allows reports from across the country to be linked and piece together all of the information available to us, and helps to build a national picture of where these crimes are taking place.
When reporting online you will be given the option to register, login to an existing account or continue as a guest.
By registering you will be able to:
If you continue as a guest you will only be able to receive updates by email or post.
Action Fraud and the NFIB do not have investigative powers and therefore cannot guarantee or prompt a police investigation, or advise you on the contents of your report. Whilst we aim to provide an update to reports within 28 days, this is not always possible if the report is still under review by the NFIB.
For advice on how to best protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud or cyber crime, please visit Action Fraud’s website or sign up for their alerts. You can also find Action Fraud on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
If you have registered on the Action Fraud system as a victim or proxy reporter, then you will receive automatic updates through your individual account.
You will also receive postal updates. If you wish to seek an update outside of the above, or if you have not registered with Action Fraud, then an update can be requested through the ‘Contact Us’ facility on the Action Fraud website.
If your report is disseminated to a police force you will be provided with the name of the recipient force. Once your report has been disseminated, the recipient force takes responsibility for providing you with updates on the progress of your case.
Reports to Action Fraud are considered for assessment or referral to the police (or other law enforcement agency) by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, operated by the City of London Police.
Once reports have been recorded by Action Fraud they are assessed against Home Office Counting Rules, which are the standards against which police record crime. Data matching allows reports from different parts of the country to be linked through analysis. Reports are then triaged to determine those that are highest risk, threat or harm.
These triaged reports are assessed by experienced crime reviewers who consider the viability of each report, or series of reports where these appear to be linked. This viability test is to ensure there are definitive lines of enquiry for a force, or other law enforcement agency to progress. Crimes that meet the viability test are referred to the appropriate police force or law enforcement agency for action. The recipient may not always be your local police force.
Information you provide on the bank accounts, websites and phone numbers used by fraudsters is regularly provided to industry partners so they can stop them from being used against future victims. Not every report results in an investigation, but every report helps to build a picture of offending and is retained for future intelligence.
Each police force (or other law enforcement agency) will review and assess referrals from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.
Northumbria Police will investigate reports of crime referred from Action Fraud and will give you regular updates about the progress of your case.
You'll be informed when a suspect is arrested, charged, bailed or sentenced. Your rights are in governed by those set out in the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime.
If no further action will be taken, we will communicate this to you with a rationale for our decision.
In cases where criminal investigations are not carried out or do not lead to a conviction, you may wish to consider other options to recover your losses. There are Civil Asset Recovery Agents who may be able to act on your behalf to recover criminal assets that represent some or all of your losses.
Before choosing a Civil Asset Recovery Agent, you should undertake adequate checks to ensure they are legitimate. The Financial Conduct Authority has details of known fraudulent Civil Asset Recovery Agents.
Should you choose to engage a Civil Asset Recovery Agent, you should update your Action Fraud report with their details. This update can be made through your individual account or through the ‘Contact Us’ facility on the Action Fraud website if you have not registered with Action Fraud.
Is it an emergency? If a crime is happening now or someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you know the person (or persons) who has committed the fraud against you and the person is local* to you - report the incident direct to us by using our report an incident form.
*A local person could be a person belonging to a specific town or area where there are viable investigative leads to consider for an investigation. Local could also mean you know the location where the offence has taken place.
If you're not sure who the person (or persons) that has committed the offence contact Action Fraud using the online fraud reporting tool or by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Is the fraud 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.
If an offence has just happened contact us by using our report an incident form.
After you report an incident to us an investigation will start. We will take steps to make sure we gather all the relevant information and keep you informed throughout the process.
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
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 registering your property for free at https://www.secureassetregister.com/en-gb it only takes a few minutes and could help you get your property back if it is lost or stolen. Don’t forget to upload photos for free too!
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.
If you have found property, your legal obligation is to try to reunite it with the owner. You could do this by putting up a notice near to where you found the item. You may be able to keep the item you have found on the understanding that, if the owner comes forward, you must give it back.
If you find an item on private property, such as at a restaurant or business, you should hand it to staff as they should operate their own lost and found procedures.
There are certain items that you are not allowed to keep and claim under ANY circumstances. These include mobile phones, identification documents, weapons and war medals. If you find cash, you will not be able to keep hold of it but will be able to claim it after 28 days.
We will accept some found items, please visit an enquiry desk for advice or contact us on live chat. The types of items we may be able to help with include:
We recommend recording any lost or found property at https://www.secureassetregister.com/en-gb or Report my Loss.
If you’ve found a hazardous item, such as a firearm, explosive, poisons, toxins or chemicals, please call 999.
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 using our Seized Property Update 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 secureassetregister.com
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.
Email: media@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
Our media office is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Northumbria Police are regularly approached by programme-makers requesting access to film officers, staff and the work they carry out.
The Force values openness and recognises the role of such productions in showing the public the realities of policing. However, this must be balanced against the requirement for confidentiality, possible disruption to policing arising from filming, welfare of those taking part, and our capacity to provide necessary support to ensure filming is carried out appropriately, legally and safely.
In order to ensure requests are considered thoroughly and fairly, we ask all prospective programme-makers to submit a filming request for our consideration. This form can be found below.
Once the form has been completed it should be returned to media@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
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.
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 email 8327@northumbria.pnn.police.uk with the details of your dog e.g. age, sex, etc.
Northumbria Connected is our new tool to ensure that we are delivering on the issues that affect all our communities across the North East.
We want to understand the issues that most impact you so that we can shape our Neighbourhood Policing to tackle them where you live.
We want to tell you about the issues that you want to hear about and in a way that you choose. On sign up you can decide on the updates you will receive in either text or email.
We can then send you a short survey to better understand what is impacting you and your community.
After all no one will know better what is happening in your community than you!
Click the button above and start to help shape policing in your area.
As of 5th August 2022 the general requirement under the Immigration Rules for certain foreign nationals to register with the police (the “Police Registration Scheme”) has ceased.
This means that the relevant foreign nationals of specified nationalities, aged 16 or over, usually granted more than six months' leave in certain migration categories are no longer obliged to register with the police.
This change applies to those who have already registered with the Police and who have a condition to register with the police listed as part of their leave to enter or remain in the UK. They will also no longer be required to communicate any updated personal details to the police.
Those who have been issued with a visa with the requirement to register but who are yet to travel, will have their visa reissued where possible or be notified of the changes in advance of travel. For those who have travelled with the requirement in place, should they attend a local police registration office, they will be advised of the changes accordingly.
The frequently asked questions document provides more detail. If you have a question relating to Northumbria Police specifically please use our web chat.
A Safeguarding Disclosure request allows members of the public to apply for either the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (also known as Clare’s Law), the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (also known as Sarah’s Law), or both at the same time.
This 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.
Please note if 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.
It has been recognised that the subject of the Coronavirus and all related matters are likely to attract a lot of new requests. Additionally it has been nationally identified that dealing with requests for certain data whilst negotiations are ongoing can be complex and resource intensive and disclosure may in fact damage strategic aims.
Accordingly the National Police Chiefs’ Council have produced a Publication Strategy which enables all stakeholders to take further time to engage with each other to ensure that any publication meets the needs of both the public and all Police Forces. This strategy which outlines the intention to publish information at a later date means that information on this subject matter is likely to be classed as exempt at this stage in accordance with Section 22 of the Act. Whilst each request will be considered individually, where it is clear that the information requested will be published a later date, the exemption will be applied.
Click here for more information on the strategy.
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:
You can get in touch with us via email at: freedom.info@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
Please note if 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.
The Data Protection Act 2018 controls how your personal information is used by organisations, businesses or the government.
You have the right to ask for a copy of records the police have about you. This is called a subject access request.
A subject access request allows you to access the local data Northumbria Police hold about you. You can apply direct to us.
It is not a requirement to complete a form however the form may make it easier to locate the information you require. A request can also be made verbally.
We will require copies of relevant proof of identity as explained below.
Information Compliance
Northumbria Police
Bedlington Police Station,
Schalksmuhle Road
Bedlington
Northumberland
NE22 7LA
Please note you cannot attend this address in person
3 Or via email: to data.protection@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
4 You must also include:
Please do not send original documents, copies will not be returned.
No fee is applicable for this service, however a reasonable fee can be charged or a request can be refused when a request is classed as unfounded, excessive or repetitive.
We must provide you with your information within one month of receipt, however we can lawfully extend this by a further two months if your request is complex or numerous. If there is a delay in dealing with your request we will inform you within one month of receipt of the request and explain why the extension is necessary. If proof of identity is sought then the one month will commence when your identity has been confirmed.
Please note that if the data held is too large to email to an applicant then Northumbria Police will send it by post to the address provided as part of the subject access request.
Should a response be required in larger font, then this can be made available.
If you would like access to information held on national police systems, such as the Police National Computer (PNC) you would need to contact Association of Chief Police Officers Criminal Records Office ACRO.
When making an access request, include the following information:
For example, you may want to ask for:
A suitable request can be made using: The civil disclosures form emailed to: data.protection@northumbria.pnn.police.uk and bacs/bank transfer of £106.80 made to the following:
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
Sort Code – 20-59-42
Account No. 23741974
Using your clients name as a reference.
Further charges may apply in accordance with the National Policing Guidelines on Charging for Police Services.
National Policing Guidelines on Charging for Police Services will apply and we will return to you to explain what these are. The initial fee is £106.80 in private family law proceedings.
Your legal representation should get in touch with us direct by emailing: data.protection@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
An ACPO and ABI Form should be submitted via email to: data.protection@northumbria.pnn.police.uk and bacs/bank transfer of £152.50 made to the following:
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
Sort Code – 20-59-42
Account No. 23741974
Using your clients name as a reference.
Further charges may apply in accordance with the National Policing Guidelines on Charging for Police Services.
You can request this information from us via a Freedom of Information request.
Please tell us your name, exactly what you want to know and how you want to receive the information.
2 Send your request direct to us by our online form
3 Or email us your request to freedom.info@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
Before submitting a request, please refer to our disclosure log which holds responses to other requests. This may hold the information you are looking for.
If you require a Police Certificate to apply for emigration visas, work permits or residency in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States should download the application from for an ACPO Police Certificate from the ACRO website.
If you require a disclosure for employment purposes, and you live in England, Scotland or Wales, please contact your local office:
In certain circumstances you may apply to have your fingerprints and DNA profiles deleted from national police systems, namely the National Fingerprint Database (IDENT1) and the National DNA Database (NDNAD).
Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (which amended the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, known as PACE) police in England and Wales are able to indefinitely retain your biometric information – including your DNA profile and fingerprints - if you have been convicted of an offence.
Under the Act, your biometric information will be immediately deleted if you were not convicted of a recordable offence, provided that specific criteria are satisfied.
Further information concerning the ‘Early Deletion Process’ can be accessed on the ACPO Criminal Records Office website.
For more information relating to the deletion of images taken in custody click here.
Follow up my crime allows you to contact the officer in charge of your case.
You can:
We will respond as soon as reasonably possible. Please be aware that we operate a 24/7 shift pattern and it may be several days before you receive a reply. If your enquiry is urgent, please contact 101 or 999 in an emergency.
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.
If you’d like to say thanks we’d like to hear from you.
If you think you have been treated unfairly by the police or that the standard of service fell short of your expectations, you have a right as a member of the public to make a complaint. This can also be referred to as an ‘expression of dissatisfaction’.
Complaints can be made about general standards of policing, operational policies/procedures and individuals who work for Northumbria Police. This includes serving officers, members of police staff, contractors and volunteers.
You must have been directly affected by the issue you are complaining about. You cannot make a complaint if you have only heard about the actions of an officer, police staff member, contractor or volunteer by a 3rd party. Similarly you cannot make a formal complaint if you have only viewed the actions via video or online post of an incident where you were not present.
If you wish to make a complaint on behalf of another person, you will need to have their written permission to do so.
There is no time limit for making your complaint; however you should try to submit it as soon as possible. If a complaint is made a long time after an incident, it can be more difficult to obtain evidence to investigate it further. This may affect the outcome of the investigation as many lines of enquiry such as CCTV or Body Worn Video are not retained after a certain length of time and may not be available to the investigator. It may not be possible, reasonable or proportionate to investigate complaints about officers or incidents where many years have passed as the persons involved may no longer be working with us and accounts or records may not be available.
If your complaint is submitted more than 12 months after the incident you should provide an explanation as to why it has been delayed. We will consider your explanation and consider if it is reasonable and proportionate to address your complaint.
Once we have received your complaint, we will work to address the issues you have raised. Within five working days you will be contacted by our Complaints Services Team in order to fully understand the context of your complaint and guide you through the process.
We have a responsibility to respond to your complaint in a ‘reasonable and proportionate’ manner; the team will seek clarity from you as to your expected outcome and will help to address your concerns where appropriate at the earliest opportunity. Where this is not possible, you can expect your complaint to be referred to our Professional Standards Department to be recorded in accordance with Schedule 3 of the Police Reform Act 2002.
The Professional Standards Department will review and assess your complaint to determine if it is reasonable or proportionate to investigate.
If your complaint is assessed and deemed suitable for investigation, the complaint will be allocated to an investigator. Serious conduct issues are allocated to the Professional Standards Department to investigate. Other complaints will be allocated to the most suitable investigator within the relevant force area.
You will be contacted by the investigator to discuss your complaint allegations to ensure that your concerns are understood. You will be contacted at least every 28 days with an update on the progress of your complaint. At the conclusion of the investigation the investigator will provide you with an investigation outcome letter. The letter will outline the actions the investigator has undertaken to determine the outcome of your complaint.
The outcome of your complaint will determine the service provided to you by the police as being either acceptable, not acceptable or the investigator could not determine the level of service. The investigator will also provide some explanation or rationale for the complaint outcome.
If the level of service provided by the police has been unacceptable, the following actions may be taken with the officer or member of police staff.
There are many reasons why it may not be reasonable or proportionate to investigate your complaint, which may include:
You will be notified of the assessment outcome at the earliest opportunity.
By law, Northumbria Police must refer certain complaints to the IOPC, including those with an allegation of serious corruption or serious injury.
If your complaint is referred to the IOPC, you will be notified and the IOPC will decide who investigates the complaint. It may be investigated independently by the IOPC or it may be returned to Northumbria Police to investigate further.
Or you can complain to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)
If at the conclusion of your complaint investigation, you are unhappy with the way your complaint was handled or with the final outcome you have a right to apply for a request for review.
The relevant review body will look at whether the handling or the outcome of your complaint was reasonable and proportionate. Reasonable and proportionate means doing what is appropriate in the circumstances, taking into account the facts and the context in which the complaint has been raised within the framework of legislation and guidance.
Some reviews are handled by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and some by an Independent Review Officer (IRO) who is appointed by the local Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). They are impartial and independent from Professional Standards Department; they have no prior knowledge of your complaint and have not been involved in the investigation.
To find out who should handle your request for review please refer to the letter you received from Professional Standards Department informing you of the outcome of your complaint. This will ensure that you send your review request to the correct organisation; your letter will also tell you when your review must be received by.
You can request a review against the investigation into your complaint if:
Your outcome letter will provide you with details of the relevant review body. You have 28 days within which to lodge your request for review to either the OPCC or the IOPC. You are advised to lodge your request for review in good time to ensure it reaches the correct review body before the end of the 28th day which will be provided in your outcome letter.
A request for review received outside of the 28th day may not be considered.
If you have been advised the relevant review body is the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner you can:
You can request a review to Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner online here.
You can submit your request for review by post to:
Alternatively attach your completed request for review form and return by e-mail to: enquiries@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk
If you require any further information please refer to the PCC website at: northumbira-pcc.gov.uk
If you have been advised the relevant review body is the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)
You can request a review to Independent Office for Police Conduct online here.
Or you can request a form to be sent to you in the post, please contact the IOPC direct on 0300 020 0096.
You can submit your request for review by post to:
Alternatively attach your completed request for review form and return by email to: NorthCasework@policeconduct.gov.uk
If you require any further information please refer the IOPC website at: www.policeconduct.gov.uk
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.
Police Integrity Line
Tel: 0800 111 4444
northumbria-confidential-hotline@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
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.
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
Police Integrity Line
Tel: 0800 111 4444
northumbria-confidential-hotline@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
The majority of police officers, staff and volunteers are hardworking, professional and deliver an excellent service. However, some are sadly still capable of falling below the high standards set by the force. We have a responsibility to prevent domestic abuse, protect against the risks of having domestic abuse perpetrators in police roles, and to protect all sections of the community from it.
Some victims of domestic abuse at the hands of police officers, staff and volunteers may find it more difficult to report given the unique nature of it and position of the abuser. Northumbria Police will not tolerate its employees perpetrating abuse of any form and will ensure reports of domestic abuse will be investigated thoroughly, with impartiality and confidentiality, and appropriate support provided regardless of the position of the perpetrator. The position of the perpetrator should not be a barrier to reporting. Any allegation that a police workforce member has used their police status, knowledge and powers to deter a victim from reporting, to harm or discredit them or to undermine a police investigation will be treated with utmost seriousness.
The definition of domestic abuse:
Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of sexuality.
It can include the following types of abuse:
Domestic abuse can include harassment, stalking, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour based abuse.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know might be a victim of police perpetrated domestic abuse please speak to our Professional Standards Department:
Or you can complain to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)
Confidential Reporting Number
Police Integrity Line
Tel: 0800 111 4444
northumbria-confidential-hotline@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
Read more information and support relating to domestic abuse.
Issue
Through organisational learning, reflective practice and misconduct meetings Northumbria Police revealed issues surrounding officers/ staff accessing data on the Force Computer System without a ‘policing purpose’.
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.
Lessons
Issues around confidentiality have been addressed during Professional Standards Department (PSD) presentations to all officers/ staff across the Force. An awareness of the impact/ outcome of any breaches is highlighted during these inputs. A Force Wide bulletin called ‘The Standard’ continues to raise awareness and learning.
Outcomes
Reduce/ Prevent breaches of the Data Protection Act 1998/ Computer Misuse Act 1990 and the Professional Standards of Behaviour; Confidentiality.
Issue
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.
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 providing guidance on how to deal with persons who present in such a way. Further updates have been provided in ‘The Standard’ bulletin to ensure learning and development continues.
Outcomes
Medical attention provided to persons who present as drunk and incapable at the earliest opportunity. Prevent/ reduce the risk of deaths in 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. Other reflective learning identified the need to record clearly what areas had been searched.
Lessons
A review of the training provided to Silver/ Bronze commanders was carried out, particularly around risk assessments. New policy documents for Silver commanders and police searched trained advisors (PolSa’s) have been issued to ensure decisions are recorded and that effective handovers are given regarding what areas have been searched. Further training has been provided and the Force procedure has been updated reflecting the need to identify the correct risk assessment after an incident has been created. A Force focus group has been introduced to ensure procedures and how we deal with missing persons reflects current organisational learning. The Force regularly reviews updates from the IOPC to reflect on learning across the country.
Outcomes
The Force will continue to improve its response and handling of missing persons in line with its up to date procedures and learning.
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.
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."
Lessons
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. These issues and awareness are continually raised in ‘The Standard’.
Outcome
To prevent this serious form of corruption and highlight the importance of reporting any concerns/ suspicions in relation to colleagues.