A NEW ethics panel set up to restore public confidence in South Yorkshire Police following 'systematic failings of the past' has held its first meeting.
South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, launched the Independent Ethics Panel last Thursday.
It will oversee policing and attempt to increase public trust and confidence in the way officers carry out their duties as well as encouraging greater public scrutiny of police operations.
Chief Constable David Crompton gave his full support to the panel, which will challenge the integrity, standards and ethics of decision-making in policing.
Chairman Andrew Lockley, a Sheffield-based solicitor, said: "Our priority has to be to improve the public's trust in South Yorkshire Police."The launch of the Independent Ethics Panel makes an explicit and public commitment to transparent and ethical policing that will be subject to rigorous scrutiny."
** The full story appears in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated January 30. **
