ACPO lead on professional standards Chief Constable Mike Cunningham said:

"This report, in common with other independent analysis from bodies such as the Independent Police Complaints Commission, confirms that the majority of officers and staff, at all levels, seek to act with integrity. But when some officers and staff fail to meet the high standards required of them then they place at risk the police's relationship of trust with the public. For this reason we treat these issues with the utmost seriousness and we must continually monitor and review our response.

"Since 2011 the police service has for the first time introduced national guidelines covering gifts and hospitality, relations with the press and secondary employment. These changes are now being bedded in across the 44 forces. We continue to trust our workforce to demonstrate sound judgment and to act with a strong moral compass: these are essential aspects of good policing. But we will also continue to look at how policy and guidance can support our officers and staff. ACPO will work with forces, Police and Crime Commissioners and the new College of Policing, to take this forward."