Recommendation 19

HM Government Acknowledged

The Government notes that the IOPC has made good progress in minimising delays to investigations but agrees that there is more that the IOPC can do to ensure their powers are used most effectively. The IOPC has already revised the guidance for police witnesses in their investigations, to make clear their expectations, how they will evidence non-cooperation and the consequences should officers continue not to cooperate. The IOPC has expressed disappointment with the stance taken by the Police Federation, but looks forward to working with police forces and representative organisations to improve co-operation further with investigations carried out by the IOPC or PSDs. The IOPC further agrees that more work could be done in relation to the end-to-end system timeliness and would welcome Home Office leadership on this issue. The Home Office, as noted in Recommendation 8, is due to publish experimental statistics on the police misconduct system in May, which will include initial analysis of end-to-end timeliness. The IOPC has further argued that it is not accurate for delays in CPS consideration, criminal proceedings or misconduct processes to be described as delays in investigation, which they often are. Unfortunately, these delays are damaging to confidence in the overall police accountability framework. The Governments 2020 reforms to the police discipline and complaints system introduced a ‘duty of cooperation’ into the police Standards of Professional Behaviour, meaning it is now enshrined in law. Officers now have a statutory duty to cooperate with investigations, inquiries and formal proceedings when identified as a witness. Failure to cooperate is a breach of the standards and can be dealt with by police forces accordingly. The Government agrees that forces, individuals, and their representative organisations must take further responsibility for rooting out bad behaviour. As outlined above, the College of Policing are undertaking a review of the Code of Ethics. The review will provide clear expectations that everyone in policing has a duty to challenge and report behaviour that undermines the profession and damages public confidence. And to be open, accountable and learn from mistakes at an organisational and individual level. Lastly, as mentioned in recommendation 8, the Home Secretary has announced the Angiolini Inquiry, part 2 of which is expected to consider wider policing matters, which could include barriers to whistleblowing, vetting practices, professional standards and discipline and workplace behaviour.