A HOTLINE for police to report corrupt colleagues has been set up by Durham Police.

The confidential phone line will enable officers or police staff to raise concerns about unethical or dishonest behaviour.

Before the installation of the new service, staff had to raise their concerns in person to senior executives.

But earlier this year it was decided to change the system by creating a specialist team.

And now a confidential hotline and PO Box address have been put in place for staff wanting to raise any matter they are unhappy about.

Chief Superintendent Arthur Proud, head of professional standards and legal services, said: "The old procedures were invoked only once in five years, which suggests either a system which didn't need to be used or, perhaps, one that people were afraid to use.

"But sometimes during internal complaints and discipline procedures we have had people coming forward to unburden themselves.

"Often they have told us of things they have put up with for years.

"Rather than waiting for the wheel to come off we are encouraging anyone with real concerns to speak in confidence.

"We hope people will feel confident enough in these new procedures to speak to us personally.

"We have taken big steps to maintain confidentiality and ensure the information passed to us stays in the unit. The policy is, in effect, an open door for people to step through if they have concerns."