Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Deferred
Paragraph: 39
Home Office proposals remain too narrow to address systemic police misconduct weaknesses
Conclusion
When the Home Office first proposed its review of dismissals, the Independent Office for Police Conduct argued that the focus on dismissals was “too narrow.” We agree. The Home Office’s proposals will not address the overall weaknesses in the misconduct and disciplinary system.
Government Response Summary
The government refers to the College of Policing's previous development of a 'Licence to Practise' approach and suggests a wider licensing scheme could help, but states the College would need to revisit its approach to implementation.
Paragraph Reference:
39
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
27. The College previously developed an approach to Licence to Practise as part of their 2015 Review of Police Leadership and, following an extensive consultation, developed a pilot for some specialist roles such as public protection. Licensing schemes are currently specific to specialist functions e.g. firearms, public order. 28. Introducing a wider licensing scheme for police officers could help enforce national standards and embed a culture of learning and personal development through the ranks. The College would need to revisit how it will approach and implement such a scheme, including the requirements and how they will maintain a register of those in policing. 29. Vetting is already standardised and could be considered at the same time to ensure it is part of a wider licensing system. Similarly, medical fitness is already a consideration in recruitment standards.