Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Fifth Report - Policing priorities
Home Affairs Committee
HC 635
Published 10 November 2023
Recommendations
2
Deferred
Para 10
Commission further independent review of Met to monitor Casey Review implementation progress
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office and the Mayor of London co-ordinate in commissioning a further independent review of the Met to monitor and measure progress in implementing Baroness Casey’s findings up to March 2024, a year on from the publication …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response did not address the recommendation for the Home Office and Mayor of London to coordinate an independent review of the Met's progress, instead detailing work on police recruitment processes and values-based interviewing.
Home Office
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4
Deferred
Para 17
Empower College of Policing to mandate consistent, values-based recruitment processes for all forces
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office empower the College of Policing to require forces to use consistent recruitment processes which include values-based interviewing. We expect to see all forces aligning recruitment processes and utilising values-based interviewing within 12 months.
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Government Response Summary
The government's response did not address the recommendation to empower the College of Policing to require consistent recruitment processes, instead discussing leadership standards, the Code of Ethics, and whistleblowing processes.
Home Office
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5
Deferred
Mandate common national standards for police vetting, making vetting upon transfer statutory
Recommendation
Common standards for vetting should be enforced nationally, with sanctions upon non-compliant forces. We recommend the Government make vetting upon transfer a statutory requirement within the lifetime of the current Parliament. It should also ensure all forces immediately implement His …
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Government Response Summary
The government noted the NPCC's work on continuous integrity screening and general efforts to allow officers to report wrongdoing, but did not commit to enforcing common national vetting standards with sanctions, making vetting upon transfer statutory, or ensuring immediate re-vetting of officers of concern.
Home Office
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7
Deferred
Para 23
Amend College of Policing leadership standards to mandate supporting whistleblowers and reporting misconduct
Recommendation
The College of Policing’s standards for leaders must, at every level of leadership, include the responsibility to support team members who call out inappropriate behaviour, along with the duty to do so oneself. We recommend the standards are amended accordingly. …
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Government Response Summary
The government refers to a dismissals review that led to announced reforms for misconduct, vetting, and performance systems, and highlights the existing police Barred List, rather than directly addressing the College of Policing's standards for leaders.
Home Office
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9
Deferred
Para 29
Enable police forces to proactively access PND for adverse information on officers and staff
Recommendation
We support the recommendation from HMICFRS that by 31 December 2023 Chief Constables make routine use of the PND to discover otherwise unreported adverse information about officers and staff. We recommend that the Government, and HMICFRS, urgently work with the …
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Government Response Summary
The government states there is no legislative vehicle for increased HMICFRS powers, notes that policing leaders have not yet agreed on how to implement more regular PCC reporting, and indicates they are still considering other recommendations and will respond later.
Home Office
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10
Deferred
Para 30
Require all police forces to explicitly prohibit officers from paying for sex
Recommendation
We heard that here has been a lack of clarity on what constitutes misogynistic or predatory behaviour, as well as multiple reports of police officers engaging in commercial sexual exploitation. For that reason, we recommend that forces which have not …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that the decision on how to deploy resources and drive delivery in force, such as prohibiting officers from paying for sex, is a matter for individual Chief Constables.
Home Office
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14
Accepted
Para 42
Commission wider review of police competence and disciplinary system effectiveness immediately
Recommendation
The Review of Dismissals was too narrow in scope. We recommend the Home Office immediately commission wider work on the functioning of the competence and disciplinary system, linked to the “Fitness to Practise” regime (see paras 51–54).
Government Response Summary
The government outlines several specific reforms announced in August 2023 to strengthen policing standards and improve timeliness and efficiency, including returning hearing chairmanship to senior officers, presumptions for fast-track hearings and dismissal for gross misconduct, and clarifying removal for vetting failures.
Home Office
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15
Deferred
Para 43
Evaluate impact of police misconduct changes and improve disproportionality data collection
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office evaluate the impact of regulatory and other changes to policing misconduct and disciplinary processes 12 months after implementation. The evaluation should include consideration of the proportion of cases resulting in a finding of gross misconduct, …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that an independent review of the IOPC was commissioned in March 2023, and they will await its findings before considering wider implications or committing to the requested evaluation and data analysis.
Home Office
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18
Accepted
Para 49
Establish influential independent scrutiny of police professional standards and misconduct processes
Recommendation
The perception of policing as marking its own homework with regards to professional standards and misconduct is damaging. We recommend influential independent scrutiny of these processes.
Government Response Summary
The government asserts that the IOPC already publishes recommendations and forces are legally required to publish their responses, with local policing bodies like PCCs already mandated to hold forces to account independently.
Home Office
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19
Deferred
Para 50
Embed specialist external expertise in police forces to drive necessary cultural reform
Recommendation
We recommend police forces embed specialist external expertise in permanent roles to drive the scale of cultural reform needed by officers, staff and the public in order to restore public faith in policing.
Government Response Summary
The government notes alignment with HMCI Cooke’s State of Policing Report and states it is still considering those recommendations, to which it will respond in due course, thereby deferring commitment.
Home Office
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21
Deferred
Para 54
Scope out a 'Fitness to Practise' regime for policing as part of disciplinary review
Recommendation
Working with the College of Policing, NPCC and other key stakeholders, we recommend the Home Office scope out a “Fitness to Practise” regime for policing. This should be done as part of the review of wider functioning of the disciplinary …
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Government Response Summary
The government discusses the College of Policing's Neighbourhood Policing guidelines and commits to continuing to work on prioritising neighbourhood policing, completely sidestepping the recommendation for a “Fitness to Practise” regime and disciplinary system review.
Home Office
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23
Deferred
Para 60
Clarify rights for police officers as victims and complainants through legislative amendments
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office work with the Ministry of Justice in considering amendments to the Victims and Prisoners Bill to clarify rights for police officers who are themselves the victims of police-perpetrated crime. The Home Office should work with …
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Government Response Summary
The government deflects by discussing the supercomplaint on section 60 stop and search, the responsibility for stop and search research, and a public consultation on a Community Scrutiny Framework, none of which address the recommended amendments for victims' rights.
Home Office
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26
Deferred
Para 63
Explore concurrent misconduct and criminal processes, setting targets for dismissal decision times
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office explore with the Independent Office for Police Conduct how misconduct processes could run concurrently with criminal cases. It should also set time-limited targets for the reduction of time taken to reach decisions on dismissal for …
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Government Response Summary
The government deflects by discussing the Ministry of Justice's responsibility for the Victims’ Commissioner, victim satisfaction surveys, and service improvement surveys for victims of domestic abuse and stalking, none of which address concurrent misconduct processes or dismissal time targets.
Home Office
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27
Deferred
Para 66
Consider IOPC review and wider review of PCCs' roles in police complaint handling
Recommendation
We urge the Home Office to consider the findings of the IOPC Review. We recommend, given concerns about the complexity of the complaints system and lack of clarity about key players in that system, the Government consider how the Independent …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response deflects by stating officer deployment is for Chief Constables and then details actions on rape investigations, which are unrelated to the recommendation for a wider review of Police and Crime Commissioners' roles in complaint handling.
Home Office
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30
Deferred
Para 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 …
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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.
Home Office
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31
Deferred
Para 72
Review reporting and centralise publication of scrutiny bodies' recommendations for joined-up access.
Recommendation
We remain deeply concerned over the inadequate monitoring and implementation of recommendations from scrutiny bodies including the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Revoicing a recommendation from our report on Police conduct and complaints, we urge the Government to review how …
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Government Response Summary
The government deflects by detailing monitoring exercises related to Non-Crime Hate Incidents and crime recording rules, which are unrelated to the recommendation for a joined-up and central publication of learning recommendations from scrutiny bodies like the IOPC, HMICFRS, and Coroners.
Home Office
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34
Deferred
Para 78
Review HMICFRS powers to give directions and establish formal 'buddying' arrangements for forces.
Recommendation
We support HMICFRS’s call for the Home Secretary to review the limitations of its remit and powers and establish whether legislative change is needed. We believe the Chief Inspector of Constabulary should have powers to give directions where a force’s …
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Government Response Summary
The government deflects the recommendation to review HMICFRS's remit and powers and establish 'buddying' arrangements by providing an identical response to the previous one, detailing an evaluation of the Right Care Right Person (RCRP) program.
Home Office
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35
Deferred
Para 79
Require additional departments and Home Office to respond to HMICFRS thematic reports.
Recommendation
HMICFRS states that, while it regularly makes recommendations to organisations other than police forces to improve public safety, only Police and Crime Commissioners are required to respond to its reports. We support HMICFRS’s call for further “additional departments and agencies” …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response entirely deflects the recommendation for a statutory requirement for other agencies and the Home Office to respond to HMICFRS reports by discussing funding for the Right Care Right Person (RCRP) program and broader investment in mental health services.
Home Office
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37
Accepted
Para 82
Formally consider introducing a professional duty of candour to increase police transparency.
Recommendation
We recommend that the NPCC, College of Policing, Home Office and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners formally consider whether a professional “duty of candour” might drive greater transparency in policing. We consider that, while this would not be enough …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) already have statutory responsibilities for setting policing objectives and holding Chief Constables to account, implying existing mechanisms cover accountability.
Home Office
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40
Accepted
Para 88
Maximise efforts to make neighbourhood policing a specialism and enhance public-facing personnel training.
Recommendation
We recommend the College of Policing and individual forces maximise efforts to make neighbourhood policing a recognised specialism. Initial and on-going training for all public-facing personnel should incorporate communication, de-escalation and engagement skills.
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Government Response Summary
The government describes existing efforts by forces and HMICFRS regarding officer wellbeing, misconduct reporting, vetting, general workforce development, and Home Office surveys for new recruits, implying that current systems address aspects of culture and training without committing to new specialisms or specific training modules.
Home Office
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45
Deferred
Para 110
Commit NPCC to timeframe for Race Action Plan and 'accept or explain' ISOB recommendations.
Recommendation
The National Race Action Plan contains admirable aspirations. Stakeholders need to ensure they are realised speedily. We recommend the NPCC commit to a clear timeframe for the next iteration of the plan and adopt an “accept or explain” response to …
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Government Response Summary
The government details the launch of the new non-degree Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) and the College of Policing's ongoing monitoring of all entry routes, which is unrelated to the National Race Action Plan or ISOB recommendations.
Home Office
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47
Deferred
Para 113
Expedite recruitment of permanent Victims’ Commissioner and publish victim satisfaction data.
Recommendation
We urge the Government to expedite recruitment of a permanent new Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, so that victims and survivors do not face such a long wait without a representative again. We recommend policing proactively publish and interrogate …
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Government Response Summary
The government refers to an Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences due to report in Summer 2024, but does not address the recommendation to expedite recruitment of a Victims' Commissioner or publish victim satisfaction data.
Home Office
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53
Accepted
Para 132
Set out a clear vision for public expectations of basic policing functions.
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office, working together with key partners, set out its vision for the basics that the public nationwide have the right to expect from policing. This may reflect the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, College of …
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Government Response Summary
The government stated it already sets out its vision for policing's basic expectations through existing strategic priorities and plans, including the Beating Crime Plan, ASB Action Plan, and the Strategic Policing Requirement.
Home Office
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56
Accepted
Para 141
Monitor effects of changes to non-crime hate incidents and broader crime recording.
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office monitor the effect of changes in response to non-crime hate incidents and crime recording more broadly, so that adverse impacts are quickly identified and the effect on public trust and confidence tracked.
Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, stating officials are undertaking a monitoring exercise for Non-Crime Hate Incidents and have developed an analytical methodology for broader crime recording changes, with specific timelines for data review and implementation.
Home Office
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58
Accepted
Deliver commitments from Fraud Strategy, including online fraud charter, by year-end.
Recommendation
We support the commitment in the Government’s Fraud Strategy to “make the tech sector commit to protect their customers through legislation and voluntary commitments” and “help banks slow down suspicious payments.” We urge the Home Office to deliver on those …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, confirming the Online Fraud Charter was published on 30 November 2023, meeting the committee's deadline, and detailed its multi-faceted commitments to combat fraud through the tech sector.
Home Office
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61
Accepted
Para 162
Evaluate the nationwide impact of Right Care Right Person model, publishing first findings annually.
Recommendation
The Right Care Right Person model appears to have been successful in reducing demand on police in Humberside. We recommend that, as it is adopted across the country, the Home Office carefully evaluate the impact of its adoption on both …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation and is conducting a joint evaluation of the Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) model with DHSC, covering impacts on police time and health/social care, with findings due for publication in Spring 2024.
Home Office
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62
Accepted in Part
Para 163
Collaborate with DHSC to evaluate RCRP's wider impact on mental health outcomes and workforce wellbeing.
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office also work with the Department of Health and Social Care to evaluate the impact of RCRP on wider outcomes, for example, for those in mental health crisis who might previously have been dealt with by …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts in part, stating it is undertaking a joint evaluation of the Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) with DHSC, focusing on impacts on police time and health/social care implementation, with findings to be published in Spring 2024, though it doesn't explicitly mention all requested aspects like workload, wellbeing, safety, or readiness for remedial action.
Home Office
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65
Not Addressed
Set out Government's vision for policing's specific role in national crime prevention strategy.
Recommendation
We recommend the Government set out in its response to this report its vision for policing’s role in crime prevention. (Paragraph 168) A workforce fit for the future
Government Response Summary
The government does not explicitly set out its vision for policing's role in crime prevention but instead details ongoing initiatives and past funding, such as Violence Reduction Units and the Beating Crime Plan, as evidence of current efforts in this area.
Home Office
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70
Accepted
Para 179
Complete Home Office implementation of the Police Covenant within six months.
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office complete implementation of the Police Covenant within six months.
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Police Covenant has already been implemented and is delivering on priorities, citing specific actions taken like appointing a Chief Medical Officer and creating support toolkits, rather than being a task for completion within six months.
Home Office
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71
Accepted
Para 180
Create a mechanism to collect data on police staff and officer views.
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office work with partners to create a mechanism to collect data on staff and officer views on police culture, wellbeing and morale. This would, for example, provide an annual picture on confidence to whistle blow on …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that forces already conduct surveys on wellbeing and inclusion, HMICFRS inspects these areas, and the Home Office has completed onboarding surveys for new officers, indicating existing measures are in place.
Home Office
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73
Acknowledged
Para 190
Set out an urgent ten-year police workforce plan addressing officer numbers and skills.
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office set out a workforce plan and strategy for policing over the next ten years as a matter of urgency. The plan should address officer and staff numbers and skills. Particular attention should be placed on …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of effective workforce plans and states it continues to work with policing partners to develop longer-term plans, but does not commit to setting out a specific 10-year strategy by the recommended deadline.
Home Office
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75
Accepted
Para 192
Create a sustainable pipeline of fraud specialists with fair pay scales for retention.
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office, working collaboratively with forces and the NCA, create a sustainable pipeline of fraud specialists, with fair pay scales that will encourage retention.
Government Response Summary
The government is developing a "People Strategy" for Economic Crime to address recruitment and retention challenges, reviewing fraud training, and establishing a National Fraud Squad with over 400 new specialist investigators to create a pipeline.
Home Office
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77
Accepted
Para 196
Empower the College of Policing to mandate learning curricula and essential professional development.
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office empower the College of Policing to mandate learning curricula and essential Continuous Professional Development. This could lead to development of a Licence to Practise as part of the wider Fitness to Practise model we have …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that the College of Policing already has the power to mandate qualifications and ensure all entrants cover the national policing curriculum, indicating existing mechanisms address this.
Home Office
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81
Acknowledged
Investigate the impact of degree requirements on police recruitment, retention, and professionalism.
Recommendation
The Home Office should take care that its determination to keep a non-degree route open into policing is not in conflict with attempts to build the profile of policing as a highly skilled profession, and does not create more inconsistency …
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Government Response Summary
The government states the new non-degree entry route will launch in April 2024 and all routes will use the same curriculum. The College of Policing will continue to monitor the effectiveness of all entry routes, but no specific commitment to the recommended investigation or research was made.
Home Office
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83
Deferred
Para 213
Review the implementation and impact of CPS DG6 guidance with stakeholders.
Recommendation
Now that DG6 has been in place for almost three years, we recommend the CPS review its implementation and impact, consulting stakeholders before proposing changes that will better reflect an appropriate balance between the need for effective early investigation and …
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Government Response Summary
The government states the Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences, which began on 12 October, will assess the relevant legal framework and disclosure guidelines, and consider modifications to improve the regime.
Home Office
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84
Rejected
Accelerate the timetable for the Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences.
Recommendation
We urge the Home Office to accelerate the timetable for the Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences. (Paragraph 214) 70 Policing priorities
Government Response Summary
The government indicates that Part One of the Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences is expected to report in Summer 2024 and justifies the current timeline by stressing the need for full and thorough consideration.
Home Office
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85
Accepted
Para 215
Review police process for obtaining early advice from prosecutors on charging decisions.
Recommendation
We recommend the CPS and NPCC review the process for police obtaining early advice from prosecutors before full case files are prepared or submitted and charging decisions made. Where possible, we recommend this work draw on local examples of existing …
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Government Response Summary
The government is working with the NPCC to design a CJ Unit Optimum model aimed at improving case progression and communication with the CPS, which will include considering early investigative advice and existing good practice.
Home Office
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87
Accepted in Part
Para 220
Expedite solutions for lengthy case file redaction processes, including piloting new approaches.
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office expedite, with urgency, its work with the Attorney General’s Office and CPS to identify potential solutions to the lengthy and resource- intensive redaction process in case file preparation. This should include piloting a “redaction bubble”, …
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Government Response Summary
The Home Office is leading a Redaction Working Group, funding automated redaction products, and working to pilot a revised redaction process while exploring legislative options, including a “redaction bubble,” to address resource-intensive case file preparation.
Home Office
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88
Accepted in Part
Para 221
Launch a national strategy for digital forensics following budget and needs review.
Recommendation
We second HMICFRS’ recommendation that the Home Office lead a review of the digital forensics budget and identify where need is greatest. The review should encompass future funding needs at both force level and centrally. It should provide a basis …
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Government Response Summary
The Home Office, with the NPCC, launched a project in September 2022 to quantify digital forensics challenges and review budgets, which is informing the development of reform options in response to HMICFRS recommendations.
Home Office
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90
Accepted
Establish greater incentives for alternative disposals to charging and prosecuting individuals in court.
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office work, in collaboration with the NPCC, to put more incentives in place for alternative disposals to charging and prosecuting individuals in court, where they have been proved effective and better fit with victims’ needs and …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 already introduced reforms to simplify and provide more consistency to the Out of Court Disposals framework, noting it is too early to predict the impact on speeding up justice or reducing court backlogs.
Home Office
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Conclusions (50)
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 9
There are thousands of committed and ethical officers and staff working in the Met. They—like members of the public, victims, and survivors—have been let down for too long. We are concerned that without an explicit timetable for future external review of the Met, there will not be sufficient follow-through on …
Government Response Summary
The government stated it would support the Mayor of London's commitment to independent progress reviews of the Met after two and five years, as recommended by the Casey report, and noted ongoing monitoring by other bodies.
3
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 16
Some will be attracted to a career in policing precisely because it provides a position of power that can be exploited or abused. Vetting upon recruitment and in-service needs to reflect this. It cannot be right that vetting practices vary between forces, or that officers can evade vetting upon transfer. …
Government Response Summary
The government noted that forces are already required to vet in line with College of Policing standards and that the NPCC is working on continuous integrity screening checks, while deflecting broader accountability to PCCs.
6
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 22
Improving policing culture means creating a safe space for personnel to raise concerns. All team members, especially supervisors, should have the skills and resources needed to nurture positive team cultures and support those coming forward with concerns.
Government Response Summary
The government highlights that HMICFRS recommended the NPCC define 'prejudicial and improper behaviour' and that the NPCC published updated guidance in June 2023 clarifying the incompatibility of using sex workers with a police role.
8
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 28
Without appropriate intelligence, forces cannot detect patterns of misconduct or criminal behaviour among officers and staff, or act on them. Proactively alerting forces to new adverse information would provide a valuable opportunity for re- vetting or intervention which may, in turn, prevent escalation.
Government Response Summary
The government states it is considering the impact of changes to misconduct systems, publishes annual police misconduct statistics, and is committed to ongoing work with the policing sector to better understand disparities in the dismissals system.
11
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 39
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.
12
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 40
There are circumstances where the public would hold dismissal appropriate but current regulations do not provide a clear mechanism for it. Dismissing an officer who fails re-vetting should be straightforward and we welcome the Home Office’s commitment to this. We are pleased that the Home Office is engaging with stakeholders …
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the need for police officers who are victims of police-perpetrated crime to have certain rights and will explore opportunities to address this through the Dismissals Review, but does not provide the requested timetable for creating a list of offences automatically amounting to gross misconduct.
13
Conclusion
Accepted
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 …
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.
16
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 46
Police and Crime Commissioners should drive systemic improvements in local forces, for example by taking steps to assure themselves that misconduct and competence processes are fit for purpose, rather than intervening in individual cases. HMICFRS has noted that Police and Crime Commissioners currently only have to comment on its reports …
Government Response Summary
The government will await the findings of an independent IOPC review into governance structures and will consider any recommendations in due course, deferring action to a future report.
17
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 47
We support HMICFRS’s call for Police and Crime Commissioners to be required to provide follow-up comments, at least annually, where HMICFRS have not yet confirmed that recommendations pertaining to them and their local force have been sufficiently addressed. We will return to matters of local accountability in our inquiry into …
Government Response Summary
The government states that responsibility for collecting and publishing data on complainants, including protected characteristics, sits with the IOPC, which already publishes annual statistics and quarterly bulletins, thus deflecting from the recommendation about PCCs providing follow-up comments to HMICFRS.
20
Conclusion
Deferred
A regime that sought to identify fitness to practise the profession of a police officer could be more effective than separate, rigid misconduct and performance systems in ensuring that those in the service have the attributes, skills and values to do the job well. We believe this would create a …
Government Response Summary
The government states this recommendation aligns with HMCI Cooke’s State of Policing Report and that it is still considering those recommendations, to which it will respond in due course, deferring a concrete response.
22
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 59
If policing can’t get its approach to complainants, victims and survivors within the service right, it has little chance of doing so for others.
Government Response Summary
The government accepted the need to ensure police officers who are victims of police-perpetrated crime are afforded certain rights but rejected opening the public complaints system to them. They will explore opportunities to address this as part of the Dismissals Review.
24
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 61
We strongly recommend the Home Office examine measures to further reassure the public that officers accused of offences will be investigated without fear or favour – whether this be through investigation by an officer from another force or through some other means.
Government Response Summary
The government discusses existing provisions under the victim's code for referral to victim support services and the Ministry of Justice's Victim's Funding Strategy, rather than addressing the recommendation for independent investigation measures for officers accused of offences.
25
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 62
It is unacceptable that it takes two to three years for a decision on whether officers facing serious allegations should be dismissed.
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Police Race Action Plan is an independent initiative led by the NPCC and College of Policing, without addressing the committee's concern about the unacceptable delays in dismissal decisions for officers facing serious allegations.
28
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 67
In our previous report on Police conduct and complaints, we concluded that uniting the roles of chair and director general of the IOPC detracted from the ability to scrutinise the executive action of the IOPC and to hold it to account. Notwithstanding the findings of the forthcoming Review, we again …
Government Response Summary
The government's response entirely deflects the recommendation by discussing the appropriateness of a 'firewall' for data sharing with Immigration Enforcement and existing NPCC guidance, instead of addressing the recommendation to appoint an independent chair for the IOPC.
29
Conclusion
Deferred
It is vital that policing understands who is making complaints, why they are doing so and what the outcomes are. Ethnic disproportionalities exist across areas such as stop and search and use of force, and the generally lower levels of confidence in the police amongst many people from Black and …
Government Response Summary
The government's response deflects by outlining general strategic policing priorities, existing plans like the Beating Crime Plan and Anti-social Behaviour Action Plan, and funding initiatives, without addressing the specific recommendation to understand complaint demographics or disproportionalities.
32
Conclusion
Deferred
We repeat the recommendation from our previous report on police conduct and complaints that Government monitor and review bi-annually how effectively local policing bodies are holding their chief constables accountable for implementing IOPC recommendations and report the outcomes to us. (Paragraph 73) Building trust and confidence in policing
Government Response Summary
The government's response entirely deflects the recommendation by detailing the recently published Online Fraud Charter and plans for an Insurance Charter, instead of addressing how it will monitor local policing bodies' accountability for implementing IOPC recommendations.
33
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 77
The Home Secretary highlighted success stories of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services’s “Engage” process but the Inspectorate needs more powers to drive through recommended changes.
Government Response Summary
The government deflects the recommendation regarding HMICFRS's need for more powers by instead detailing a joint evaluation of the Right Care Right Person (RCRP) program, with findings due in Spring 2024.
36
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 81
We appreciate the openness of those who gave evidence, but fear that under pressure leaders can default to a defensive position, missing opportunities to help the public understand the challenges they face or to build trust by admitting mistakes. We 64 Policing priorities urge leaders across policing to recognise the …
Government Response Summary
The government deflects the recommendation for policing leaders to engage in open dialogue and admit mistakes to build trust by instead detailing crime prevention initiatives, funding for Violence Reduction Units, and overall crime reduction statistics.
38
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 86
There was widespread agreement among our witnesses that neighbourhood work was the bedrock of policing. But too often it is side-lined by abstractions or otherwise undermined, for example where officers are taken away from their usual duties to respond to emergency situations, or the actions of non-territorial squads undermining the …
Government Response Summary
The government describes actions taken by the NPCC regarding national staff support associations and a review of diversity staff support networks, which is unrelated to the committee's conclusion on neighbourhood policing.
39
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 87
Neighbourhood policing does not simply mean an increased police presence in communities. It has to be accompanied by community engagement where community members are treated as active participants whose concerns are genuinely responded to. Community engagement should, however, not be left to neighbourhood officers. Instead, it is core to the …
Government Response Summary
The government highlights work under the Police Covenant, including the appointment of a Chief Medical Officer for Policing and mental health training, none of which directly address community engagement in neighbourhood policing.
41
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 97
Use of stop and search powers is particularly controversial and has a wide-ranging impact for the Met in particular. But this is not an issue that other forces can afford to ignore. Disproportionality in stop and search across policing damages community relationships. Our report on “The Macpherson Report: twenty two …
Government Response Summary
The government discusses its ongoing work with police forces to maintain officer numbers following the Police Uplift Programme and to develop long-term workforce plans, which is unrelated to the committee's concerns about stop and search.
42
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 98
We are concerned at the duration of the investigation following the supercomplaint on section 60 searches. We welcome the Home Office’s recent commitment to better communication around section 60 searches, along with moves to support more consistent local scrutiny. We strongly support His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & …
Government Response Summary
The government outlines plans to develop a 'People Strategy' for Economic Crime, review fraud-related training for police, and establish a new National Fraud Squad, none of which address the committee's recommendations regarding section 60 stop and search.
43
Conclusion
Deferred
Policing should provide an effective and compassionate service to victims and survivors. But it cannot provide the level of specialisation that “by and for” services can, nor cater as effectively for those victims and survivors who do not wish to report a crime or engage with the police. (Paragraph 102) …
Government Response Summary
The government details the College of Policing's existing powers regarding officer qualifications and training on police ethics but does not address the recommendation about the limitations of policing in providing specialised victim services.
44
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 103
When commissioning victim services, Police and Crime Commissioners should be mindful that not all victims will want to report crime or have trust and confidence in the police. By and for services may provide a more tailored approach and ensure that all victims and survivors have equitable access to crucial …
Government Response Summary
The government discusses supporting the College of Policing in improving leadership, upcoming reforms to promotions, and ensuring new officers receive adequate training, none of which relate to commissioning victim services or the role of 'by and for' services.
46
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 112
Victim and survivor care is one of the basics that policing has to get right. We agree that failure to prioritise the needs of victims and survivors in the past has undermined trust and confidence in policing today. We are pleased to see that an interim Victims’ Commissioner has finally …
Government Response Summary
The government describes the Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences and its terms of reference, rather than addressing the committee's concerns about the vacancy of the Victims' Commissioner.
48
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 119
Policing needs to show rather than tell women and girls that cultural change has taken place. It can start by providing a consistently excellent service to victims and survivors of VAWG. The availability of officers with the right skills and sensitivities is a crucial part of this.
Government Response Summary
The government is working with the NPCC to design a new Criminal Justice Unit Optimum model aimed at improving case progression and communication with the CPS, which will consider existing good practice and the Soteria model for all crime.
49
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 120
We repeat our previous recommendation, made in our report on “The investigation and prosecution of rape”, that the Government strongly encourage forces without specialist police rape and sexual offence teams to put such teams in place and with sufficient resource, including capacity for ongoing training and development.
Government Response Summary
The government's response focuses on initiatives to reduce the redaction burden in digital evidence, including a working group, simplified guidance, funding for automated redaction tools, and a pilot, but does not address the recommendation for specialist police rape and sexual offence teams.
50
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 123
All victims need to feel safe in coming forward to the police and be confident in reporting potential criminality. The Government’s alternative proposals do not go far enough to address the concerns of migrant victims and survivors who may be unsure of what will happen to them after prosecution, or …
Government Response Summary
The government describes its ongoing project launched in September 2022 to quantify and address challenges in digital forensics delivery and reform, but does not address the recommendation concerning migrant victims' safety in reporting.
51
Conclusion
Deferred
We restate the previous Home Affairs Committee’s recommendation from its 2018 report into Domestic Abuse, that “immigration status must not bar victims of abuse from protection and access to justice.” We concur with the Women and Equalities Committee’s recommendation that the Government “establish an appropriate firewall- type mechanism between the …
Government Response Summary
The government details reforms introduced by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 to simplify Out of Court Disposals to two types, noting it is too early to assess their impact on justice, but does not address the recommendation on immigration status for victims of abuse or a data-sharing firewall.
52
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 131
Officers, staff and citizens alike deserve and require a shared national understanding of the role and mission of the police, and the basic functions that policing should get right all the time.
Government Response Summary
The government stated it already provides a clear understanding of policing's role and mission through existing strategic priorities, such as the Beating Crime Plan, National Crime and Policing Measures, and the Strategic Policing Requirement.
54
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 137
Crime and demand patterns change over time. Policing priorities need to reflect this these changed contexts. We are not convinced that the 43-force model facilitates an effective strategic response to change especially as forces develop different initiatives that do not always align. The understandable lack of appetite for major changes …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged that the Police Allocation Formula is outdated and confirmed it is currently undertaking a review in consultation with the policing sector, aiming for quality and longevity in new funding arrangements.
55
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 138
Multiple bodies are involved in setting the strategic direction of policing both locally and nationally. However, the Home Office must provide a strong “strategic centre” and take responsibility for providing policing with the resources it needs to succeed. As a first step, the Home Office must urgently review the Police …
Government Response Summary
The government confirmed it is currently undertaking a review of the outdated Police Allocation Formula in consultation with the policing sector, and stated it provides strong strategic direction through existing plans.
57
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 150
Private industry, particularly social media platforms and the mobile networks, must play its part in “designing out” fraud. We plan to revisit the crucial area and the right balance of responsibilities in our inquiry on this topic.
Government Response Summary
The government responded by outlining specific actions to make private industry play its part in designing out fraud, citing the publication of the Online Fraud Charter in November 2023 and ongoing work for an Insurance Charter by Spring 2024.
59
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 155
Policing faces challenges in delivering its core mission. Simultaneously it has become “the service of last resort for people in crisis.” We agree with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing that tackling this mission creep “requires cross-Government working.”
Government Response Summary
The government details current initiatives like the National Partnership Agreement and Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) rollout, alongside efforts to improve police productivity and reduce bureaucratic burden, as actions addressing the challenge of police mission creep. These measures are expected to save significant police officer time.
60
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 161
The police should work effectively with other services without having to compensate for lack of resources elsewhere or absorb demand that should rightly sit with others. We understand that often police will not be the right professionals to intervene in mental health situations. We believe profoundly that people with mental …
Government Response Summary
The government is conducting a joint evaluation of the Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) approach with DHSC, including its impact on police time and health/social care implementation, with findings expected to be published in Spring 2024.
63
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 164
If Right Care Right Person is to succeed as a national approach, it is crucial that those frontline health and care services who will be expected to step up receive the resources they need to do so. As Government makes funding settlements across these services, it must ensure that those …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for resources for health and care services, noting no specific additional funding for RCRP yet but that NHS England and DHSC are refining resource estimates to potentially inform future fiscal events. It highlights existing record investment in mental health services through the NHS Long Term Plan and capital funding.
64
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 167
Policing has a key role in crime prevention, but greater clarity is needed about what that role is and where police responsibilities end and those of others begin. The Government has to allow policing to prioritise its purposes and functions in the sound knowledge of its key roles.
Government Response Summary
The government states that police have a role in crime prevention and details existing initiatives such as Violence Reduction Units, hotspot policing, and the Prevention Programme, alongside the Beating Crime Plan, as current efforts to prevent crime.
66
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 173
A police service that fails to attract, retain and progress diverse officers will be unable to demonstrate that it can meet the needs of diverse communities. While 68 Policing priorities a representative workforce is crucial, we cannot rely on numerical representation alone to drive far-reaching cultural change. Instead, officers, staff …
Government Response Summary
The government redirects to PCCs, who have existing statutory responsibilities.
67
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 174
Police and Crime Commissioners should hold forces to account on efforts to recruit, retain and progress a broadly representative workforce across all ranks.
Government Response Summary
The government states that Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) already possess statutory responsibilities for setting objectives and holding Chief Constables accountable, thereby implicitly addressing the committee's suggestion for PCCs to hold forces to account.
68
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 175
Senior officers should actively support staff organisations representing groups and consider the full range of tools at their disposal to ensure that forces reflect the community they serve.
Government Response Summary
The government notes that the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has agreed an approach for national staff support associations and is currently reviewing diversity staff support networks in policing to assess consistency and utilisation.
69
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 178
Whilst the National Police Wellbeing Survey, along with surveys carried out by PFEW, provide useful information on police wellbeing and morale, we would also like to see these complemented by data from mandated exit interviews.
Government Response Summary
The government claims that forces already carry out surveys relating to wellbeing and inclusion, HMICFRS inspections look at vetting and misconduct, and the Home Office conducts onboarding surveys.
72
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 189
It is no longer sufficient that individual forces design their own workforce plans and strategies in isolation. Crime crosses force boundaries and requires specialist officers and recruits with unique skills. Following the end of the uplift programme, it must be a priority of the Government to set out how it …
Government Response Summary
The government states it continues to work with forces to maintain officer numbers and support partners in developing longer-term workforce plans, acknowledging the importance of effective workforce strategies.
74
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 191
We are concerned that the status of NCA staff as civil servants with different pay scales to policing increases the challenge of recruiting and retaining the right people. We are not convinced that it is feasible to recruit 400 entirely new fraud specialists.
Government Response Summary
The government is developing a "People Strategy" for Economic Crime with partners to address recruitment and retention challenges for fraud specialists and is establishing a new National Fraud Squad with over 400 new investigators.
76
Conclusion
Accepted
We recognise that training of local officers needs to be shaped by local considerations. However, citizens should be able to be assured that all officers share basic skills, and that approaches are broadly similar nationwide. (Paragraph 195) Policing priorities 69
Government Response Summary
The government states that the College of Policing already mandates qualifications and a national curriculum for all entrants, and HMICFRS inspects forces against these standards, ensuring officers share basic skills.
78
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 197
Strong leadership is crucial, especially given the current high proportion of inexperienced officers. We welcome the College of Policing’s commitment to underpinning the future of police leadership.
Government Response Summary
The government states it continues to support the College of Policing's work to improve leadership at all levels, including new programmes for supervisors and reforms to promotions and progression to embed new leadership standards.
79
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 198
Policing must continue its investment in leadership, especially at sergeant level. These training elements should be embedded within the workforce plan we have recommended.
Government Response Summary
The government commits to continue supporting the College of Policing's work to improve leadership, including new programmes for front line supervisors and tutor constables, and forthcoming reforms to promotions to embed new leadership standards.
80
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 201
The esteem afforded to police officers should reflect the complexity of skills and knowledge needed to do the job well. Given the Government’s general enthusiasm for degree apprenticeships, and the Home Office’s previous view that the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship was not deterring officers from applying, we find the rethink …
Government Response Summary
The government explains that a new non-degree Police Constable Entry Programme will launch in April 2024, ensuring all entry routes cover the same national policing curriculum, addressing the committee's surprise at the policy rethink.
82
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 212
As the police and CPS bicker over where the burden of investigation and paperwork should lie, victims and survivors lose out. We understand the rationale for DG6 and we note that the CPS consulted forces and the NPCC when designing the updated guidance.
Government Response Summary
The government highlights the ongoing Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences, which commenced on 12 October, and will assess the relevant disclosure regime and consider improvements.
86
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 219
Lengthy and inefficient redaction processes and protracted investigations are neither effective nor fair on either victims or suspects. The handling of case files needs to comply with data protection laws. However, ensuring that the requirements are proportionate and that forces have the digital capacity to meet such requirements efficiently is …
Government Response Summary
The government has formed a Redaction Working Group to explore solutions, provided funding for automated redaction products, and is setting up a pilot for a revised process to streamline redaction, while also exploring legislative options.
89
Conclusion
Para 225
Broadening police powers to charge without recourse to the CPS is not the solution to case backlogs in the courts.