Verification checks for police officers
After the national controversy of a police officer identifying himself to a girl on the street and then raping and murdering her, Wiltshire Police are offering a simple verification process allowing anyone approached to confirm the officer is on duty.
All officers will offer the verification check to anyone who appears concerned for their safety or vulnerability. Officers will put their personal radios on the loudspeaker and ask the control room to confirm who they are and that they are on duty.
This check can also be requested by any concerned member of the public.
Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: "After the murder of Sarah Everard, it is only right my operational colleagues expect and are tolerant of those who wish to be reassured in our interactions with them.
"I have asked all of my operational colleagues to take additional time to explain and reassure our communities who they are, what they are doing and why.
"We appreciate that the onus is on us, as a police service, to proactively offer any additional reassurance we can to the communities we serve.
"This new process is a small step but one which I feel is appropriate, proportionate and will be welcomed by those we serve.
"I encourage our communities to feel confident to ask any questions of any of my officers, members of staff or volunteers.
"We are here to protect and serve you and we understand that you might have questions or comments on how we work to achieving that.
"The new verification process is just one action we can take to try and rebuild some of the trust and confidence this horrific case has eroded and I appreciate this is just the start.
"I look forward to continuing to cultivate an open, two-way dialogue with our communities to move forward together."
