A specialist anti-corruption unit has been set up by Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire police forces to act as a deterrent to officers considering abusing their position. The team came about from the joint professional standards unit launched by police for

A specialist anti-corruption unit has been set up by Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire police forces to act as a deterrent to officers considering abusing their position.

The team came about from the joint professional standards unit launched by police forces in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire in April.

Bedfordshire Police Authority's complaints and professional standards committee has welcomed the new unit, with Penny Fletcher, chair of the complaints and professional standards committee, saying: "The police authority promotes the highest professional standards at all times.

"The force endeavours to identify any unethical behaviour within the officers and staff of Bedfordshire Police.

"There is no indication that there is a problem with corrupt practices and it is hoped that the very existence of this unit will deter people from even considering abusing their position.