The Professional Standards Department exists to thoroughly and impartially investigate all complaints made against Island Police staff by members of the public. The department also investigates and administers civil claims for compensation against the Island Police.
Based independently within premises at St Peter Port Harbour, the department is staffed by 2 Senior Detectives and headed by a Detective Chief Inspector.
Due to their role in society, police officers can be the target for malicious complaints by persons seeking to destroy their credibility and thereby evade conviction. Conversely, the police have powers, which, if abused can cause distress and injustice. The policy of the Island Police is that investigations into allegations of misconduct be seen as equitable to all parties and the outcome appropriate and proportionate to the circumstances.
In addition to the complaints procedures, the Island Police is also committed to the thorough investigation of any concerns in respect of the suspicion of corruption or the lack of integrity on the part of any of its employees.
Any person who has any concerns, which do not constitute a complaint, can report the issue, in confidence, to the Professional Standards Department.
The department is not only responsible for recording and investigating complaints from members of the public but also deals with allegations made by members of the Force itself. When Professional Standards receives a complaint against any member of the Island Police, it is first assessed to see how serious it is.
If the complaint appears to be minor in nature, it may be referred back to an appropriate manager who will be directed to speak to the complainant and the staff involved. This will hopefully enable the matter to be informally resolved and lessons learnt where appropriate. It may be from this simple approach that the complaint can be brought to a conclusion that is satisfactory to the complainant.
If the allegations are more serious, an Investigating Officer will be allocated to the case from Professional Standards. The Investigating Officer will then undertake an extensive and detailed investigation, which may include taking statements and interviewing the staff members concerned. These more serious complaints will see a full report submitted to the Deputy Chief Officer for consideration of internal Discipline Hearings.
Complaints made alleging criminal conduct will be fully investigated as described above and a detailed evidential file directed to H.M. Crown Officers for consideration of criminal prosecution
It is most important for the Force to use the information gained from investigations to improve its service to the public. All members of the Force are encouraged to help tackle unacceptable behaviour by reporting wrong doing direct to their supervisors and managers or by contacting Professional Standards. The Force is committed to support individuals who do the “right thing” and bring this unprofessional conduct to attention.
Professional Standards Department staff also monitor the organisational health of the Force by various methods, including pro-active auditing and checking specific aspects of work or procedures and seeking to identify members of staff who, by their conduct, might require professional development or be a present / future risk to the Force.
You can complain about police officers of any rank or other members of police staff. You can also make a complaint if a friend or relative has been treated badly by the police. You can complain if you are distressed as a result, or you have personally seen someone that you didn’t know being treated badly by the police.
When making your complaint you should include information such as:
• What happened
• When it happened
• Who was involved
• What was said or done
• Were there any witnesses
• Was there any damage or injury caused
This will enable your complaint to be dealt with more efficiently. Please also include your full name, date of birth and full address and telephone contact numbers.
Professional Standards are based independently of Police Headquarters within the St Peter Port Harbour Complex. They can be contacted at the address below:
Police Professional Standards Department
New Jetty
White Rock
St Peter Port
GY1 2LL
Telephone number 01481 725111 Ext 2611 or 2612
Alternatively, you can email Professional Standards at:
psd@guernsey.pnn.police.uk