Guernsey Police go on inappropriate behaviour course

Police officers and staff are being put on courses to identify and tackle inappropriate behaviour in the workplace

Police in Guernsey are being given training to challenge discrimination in the workplace.

Guernsey Police said it was putting officers and staff on the Upstander Training Programme, which has been designed by the UK College of Policing.

The digital course aims to highlight what inappropriate behaviour is and how to challenge it while at work.

Police said the training would help maintain "a culture that is fair and equal".

'Call it out'

Deputy Chief Officer Ian Scholes said the course provided advice on how to tackle behaviour such as sexism, racism and homophobia.

"It is all too easy for someone to notice inappropriate behaviour, but to think someone else will deal with it and not say anything," he said.

"We must all feel able to stand up and call it out."

Mr Scholes added the force always wants to make sure it is "at the cutting edge" of such issues to set a "good example for the rest of the community".

A Guernsey Police spokesperson said it was also putting staff on the course as part of ongoing work to raise awareness about male violence against women and girls.

They added the course was being rolled out nationally to improve the culture within police forces following incidents elsewhere within the UK.

These include six Met Police officers being charged with sending racist messages on Whatsapp and a "boys club" culture being reported at Police Scotland.