OpenPolice OS - Principles

Our Guiding Principles

The core values that guide OpenPolice in serving the public interest and promoting police accountability across the United Kingdom.

Why Principles Matter

OpenPolice was built on a foundation of principles designed to empower citizens, ensure transparency, and create meaningful change in police accountability. These principles aren't just words—they shape every decision we make and every feature we build.

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Universality

Standardised Data for All

Each police force collects and handles reports in its own unique way. This poor data consistency creates significant challenges for researchers, journalists, and oversight bodies. OpenPolice helps establish a unified police report data standard, making information comparable and actionable across all 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales.

Data StandardsConsistencyResearch
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Objectivity

Fair and Neutral

We strive to be fair and neutral in how we collect and share data. OpenPolice is not anti-police—we recognise the vital role law enforcement plays in society. We encourage users to share accurate and truthful information, supporting good policing while holding misconduct accountable.

NeutralityAccuracyBalance
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Transparency

Shining Light on Misconduct

Many mechanisms exist that can conceal police misconduct records from public view. OpenPolice counters this by enabling users to share their experiences publicly, creating a citizen-driven record of police conduct that complements official oversight systems.

Public RecordsAccountabilityVisibility
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Privacy

Your Data, Your Control

You choose how your report information is shared. OpenPolice offers multiple privacy levels—from full transparency to complete anonymity. Your personal safety and privacy are paramount, and we never compromise on protecting your identity.

Learn about privacy options
User ControlAnonymityProtection
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Openness

Accessible to Everyone

Victims of police misconduct should never have to deal with intimidating environments or bureaucratic barriers. Our platform ensures openness and accessibility—anyone can submit a report, access public data, or research police conduct patterns without obstacles.

AccessibilityNo BarriersInclusive
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Empowerment

Putting Citizens First

People who report misconduct should be at the centre of the police oversight process, not marginalised by it. OpenPolice empowers citizens with tools, information, and a platform to make their voices heard and drive meaningful change in policing.

Citizen-CentredVoiceAction
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Completeness

Every Detail Matters

Our platform helps you find and organise the details that matter most. We guide users through structured reporting to ensure allegations are properly documented and match the facts of each incident. Complete information leads to better outcomes.

DocumentationStructureDetail

Integrity

Upholding Truth

We maintain the highest standards of integrity in everything we do. False reports undermine legitimate complaints, so we implement verification processes while protecting genuine reporters. Our commitment to truth strengthens the entire accountability system.

VerificationTrustStandards

How We Apply These Principles

Data Collection

Structured forms ensure consistent, comparable data across all reports

Privacy Controls

Multiple anonymity levels let users choose their comfort zone

Open Statistics

Aggregated data available to researchers and the public

Community Verification

Collaborative fact-checking strengthens report credibility

Join Us in Upholding These Principles

Every report submitted, every piece of data shared, helps build a more accountable police service for everyone in the UK.

Related Pages

Status: Online