In the largest ever integrity screening project in the history of policing, more than 300,000 police officers, staff and volunteers have been checked against the Police National Database, including those that work for West Mercia Police.

Across the force, 4,745 people were checked with one individual requiring a vetting clearance review. Two others had additional checks to establish if there were any issues, there were none and no further action was needed.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has welcomed the findings into West Mercia Police from the National Police Chief Council: “I welcome today’s announcement which is testament to the hard work taking place to ensure officers, staff and volunteers who make-up West Mercia Police’s workforce, meet the high standards you rightly expect and deserve.

“While the findings are positive and will be reassuring to communities across the three counties, it only reflects cases that the force is not currently aware of.

“As your voice in policing, I am clear that one case slipping through the net is one too many. That’s why I remain focused on backing the force with the resources and tools it needs while supporting and challenging the Chief Constable to ensure all appropriate checks continue to be made to safeguard communities across West Mercia.”

To raise concerns about a serving or former West Mercia Police officer, residents can visit West Mercia Police’s website, call 101 or go to a local police station. Reports can also be made anonymously via CrimeStoppers – www.crimestoppers-uk.org.