Hertfordshire Police lose nearly 100 warrant cards (From Watford Observer)

Hertfordshire Police lose nearly 100 warrant cards

12:57pm Thursday 2nd September 2010 in

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Nearly 100 police warrant cards have been lost by Hertfordshire police officers in the last two years – one of the highest figures in the country.

A total of 98 warrant cards, which identify the holder as a police officer with powers of arrest, went missing between 2009 and 2010, with five reported stolen.

Officers must carry the card, which includes their name and a photograph, while on duty and face tough disciplinary action if they are lost or mislaid.

The figures, obtained by industry magazine Jane’s Police Review, reveal that only a handful of other forces, including the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police, had mislaid more.

Watford MP Richard Harrington called the figures “extraordinary.” He said: “There is no reason that Hertfordshire should be so high.

“Anything that can be used for criminal purposes has to be taken very seriously and all cases investigated.

“In Parliament, for example, if we lose our badges we’ve got to report it straight away. It is taken very, very seriously. The police investigate automatically.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary said it recognised the problem and was dealing with it.

A spokeswoman explained: “Hertfordshire Constabulary has recognised that the relatively high number of warrant card losses by officers is unacceptable and has already reviewed the relevant information security procedures to ensure a more rigorous approach is taken against those who lose their cards. “These new procedures ensure the loss reports are submitted to senior managers and disciplinary action will be considered in relation to those who have lost their cards on more than two occasions. “ The force did, however, offer another security-related explanation.

“We also believe that the number of losses compared with other forces may be due to the fact that we de-programme cards, which also serve as building access cards, as soon as the loss is reported although in many instances the card is located by the officer a short while after reporting.”