Crimestoppers Chief highlights public trust and police abuse reporting success on BBC’s Crimewatch Live

Chief Executive Mark Hallas appeared on BBC One’s Crimewatch Live on Monday morning, opening the latest series with a strong message about the charity’s growing role in helping people speak up safely and anonymously. During the programme, he outlined how public trust in our service continues to rise and why our work matters now more than ever.

Mark spoke about the support we offer to anyone who feels unable to report crime or wrongdoing through traditional routes. He explained that the public increasingly see us as a safe, independent place to turn — one that keeps them anonymous and ensures concerns reach the right people.

Mark Hallas, Michelle Ackerley, Rav Wilding

With the second anniversary of the Police Anti‑Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service approaching in March, Mark used the platform to underline its importance. The service was created to give the public a way to report police corruption, abuse of power or serious misconduct without contacting the police directly. It has become an essential service for raising concerns that might otherwise go unheard.

Since its launch in March 2024, we have passed on 5,000 reports to police forces across the UK. Mark emphasised that each report helps shine a light on wrongdoing and supports efforts to deal with officers and staff who abuse their position.

He also stressed that the service plays a key role in protecting the vast majority of officers who serve the public with professionalism and integrity every day. By helping identify and challenge harmful behaviour early, the service strengthens trust in policing as a whole.

Mark’s appearance on Crimewatch Live brought further national attention to this critical work and underlined the charity’s commitment to safeguarding the public, supporting responsible policing, and giving people an anonymous mechanism to speak up about what they know.

“The public’s trust in Crimestoppers is vital because it gives people the confidence to speak up when they might not feel able to go elsewhere.

The Police Anti‑Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service is helping shine a light on wrongdoing while protecting the vast majority of officers who serve with integrity every day. 

Our message is simple: if you know about serious police abuse or corruption – or any other crime – tell us anonymously via our website or call us and we’ll ensure it reaches the right people safely.”

Mark Hallas, Chief Executive of Crimestoppers

In case you missed it, you can watch the Crimewatch Live episode here.

Monday 2 March 2026