Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Deferred
Paragraph: 70
Mandate police forces record, analyse, submit, and publish protected characteristics data on complainants.
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office requires forces to record data on all protected characteristics of complainants with the aim of achieving a greater understanding of who is making complaints, the outcomes of those complaints, and the extent to which there is disproportionality. Professional Standards Departments should analyse the data and adopt a “reform or explain” approach. To ensure transparency and scrutiny, this data should be submitted to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and made publicly available in a clear and accessible way on a regular basis.
Government Response Summary
The government deflects responsibility by stating that while it provides strategic direction, it is for Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables to decide how best to incorporate plans locally, rather than committing the Home Office to requiring data collection on protected characteristics of complainants.
Paragraph Reference:
70
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
78. The Government has provided strong strategic direction of policing nationally, including through the SPR, which PCCs must have regard to, and Beating Crime Plan (see response to rec 29 for more details). It is for PCCs and Chief Constables to decide how best to incorporate the strategic direction into their local plans. 79. The Government is committed to ensuring that the policing system has the powers, resources and tools to confront the complex and evolving crime picture we are grappling with. The government has recognised that the current police funding formula is out of date and no longer accurately reflects demand on policing and is currently undertaking a review in consultation with the policing sector. Although we are working to introduce new funding arrangements as soon as possible, their quality and longevity is our focus.