Last updated at 12:35, Wednesday, 19 December 2012

CUMBRIA police has welcomed a report which reveals the amount of officers misusing social networking sites.

MORE needs to be done to uphold the integrity of police forces including a further clampdown on use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter, inspectors have found.

A total of 357 instances of potentially inappropriate behaviour were identified on social media, spread across 185 profiles, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) said.

Offensive language, comments on police procedure, negativity towards work and extreme opinions of the government were among cases of inappropriate behaviour found during the July and August inspection.

Looking at 44 forces, HMIC assessed progress against recommendations made in a 2011 report into police relationships.

The Inspectorate was asked by the Home Secretary to look at integrity issues among police officers, such as how to interact with the media and acceptance of gifts and hospitality.

Cumbria police has welcomed the report and said steps have to be taken to ensure a high standard of police integrity is retained.

Temporary chief constable Bernard Lawson said: “Cumbria Constabulary welcomes this progress report which highlights the steps we have taken to ensure that integrity remains at the heart of everything we do.

“The vast majority of police officers and staff act with honesty and integrity and deliver a very high standard of policing to the communities of Cumbria.

“When officers or staff members fail to meet the high standards we require of them, they risk damaging the high level of trust we share with the public, partner agencies and each other - so we treat these rare instances very seriously.

“We have followed national guidelines and strengthened some of our policies to ensure staff and officers have the right support and guidance they need.

“I know that Cumbria Constabulary will continue to progress this work in 2013 so that communities can remain confident in the services we deliver.”

First published at 12:34, Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk