Police: Identification
House of Lords
Lord Berkeley (Labour)
To ask Her Majesty's Government why police officers are required to show identification numbers when on duty; and under what legislation this requirement was introduced; and
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there are any circumstances when police officers on duty are permitted to cover up their identification numbers; and, if so, from whom the officers have to obtain prior approval; and
To ask Her Majesty's Government on how many occasions in the last two years officers of the Metropolitan and City of London Police forces have been permitted to hide identification numbers; and what were the reasons for each permission being granted; and
To ask Her Majesty's Government what disciplinary action is normally taken against police officers who cover up their identification numbers on duty without permission.
Lord West of Spithead (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Security and Counter-terrorism), Home Office; Labour)
The displaying of identification numbers is not required by legislation. This is a matter for individual Chief Constables and force level guidance. Contravening force guidance on this, as other issues, is a disciplinary offence and cases are handled in line with the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2008.