Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Accepted
Increased chief officer powers insufficient to address systemic misconduct issues or race disparities
Conclusion
We are persuaded, however, that policing could do more within the existing disciplinary system, ahead of any regulatory changes. Giving chief officers more say over dismissals will not on its own deliver a more consistent interpretation of “gross misconduct” or higher quality of investigations. We also remain concerned about troubling race disparities in the misconduct system, highlighted in our previous report on “The Macpherson Report: Twenty-two years on.” (Paragraph 41) Policing priorities 61
Government Response Summary
The government states it has recommended the College of Policing introduce an accreditation scheme for professional standards investigators to ensure the very highest standard of investigations.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
32. The majority of complaints and conduct matters can be investigated effectively by force Professional Standards Departments (PSDs). However, the most serious and sensitive matters are handled independently of the police by the IOPC, with police forces required by law to refer certain allegations to the IOPC under the mandatory referral criteria. This includes allegations of serious corruption or serious sexual offences. 33. Individual investigators are already required, by law, to have the requisite knowledge, skills and experience necessary to investigate a particular allegation, before they are appointed to do so. Following the review into police officer dismissals, the Government has recommended that the College of Policing introduce an accreditation scheme for professional standards investigators, to ensure the very highest standard of investigations.