Recommendation 16

There is a clear absence of urgency and a culture of non-co-operation from some police forces involved in investigations. Appropriate sanctions must follow for any officer served with disciplinary proceedings, whether serving or retired. We welcome the legislation that exists to ensure delays to investigations are minimised. Specific reforms were made to the discipline system under the implementation of the 2020 reforms including the possibility for former officers to face disciplinary proceedings if allegations come to light within 12 months of their leaving the force. In addition, the IOPC has new powers to determine that disciplinary processes may be initiated against officers who have been out of service for longer than 12 months.