Robert Hamill Inquiry

The Inquiry Panel recommends that the PSNI examines the level of training given to uniformed supervisors and constables on their role at a major crime scene. The Panel notes that despite the training which is in place, not all officers did what they were trained to do. This calls for an examination of the adequacy of the training and the implementation of checks to ensure that officers carry out their role in the manner expected.

The Inquiry Panel recommends that the PSNI ensures that officers are debriefed by a supervisory officer at the completion of a tour of duty and that any intelligence or evidence gathered is correctly disseminated.

The Inquiry Panel recommends that officers performing public order duty, whether or not performing that duty in a vehicle, receive training in policing spontaneous public disorder; and

The Inquiry Panel recommends that the PSNI training in public order includes awareness training on the specific roles of the crew within a public order vehicle.

The Inquiry Panel recommends that the PSNI ensures that all officers engaged in public order policing receive the minimum 12 hours training in their own personal safety as recommended by ACPO.

The Panel recommends that the PSNI ensures, through its Best Value inspection process which monitors and manages performance, that the necessary training is being delivered.

The Panel recommends the use of command and control systems to record operational decisions and actions at the scene, allowing the decision-maker and any other officer to check that each task has been performed and recorded.

The Inquiry Panel recommends that media awareness be an integral part of training given to newly promoted sergeants and inspectors. We do not see this as something which requires a full training package but rather can be incorporated into supervisor training.

The Inquiry Panel acknowledges the developments in gathering and using scientific evidence made by the PSNI and reported on by CJNI/HMIC in 2005 and 2007. The report in 2007 highlights that there are still issues regarding officers’ awareness of scientific issues. As this is a developing area the PSNI should consider how to update regularly the knowledge of officers as and when useful advances are made in the field of forensic science.

The Inquiry Panel recommends that the PSNI identifies any necessary additional training for officers in relation to the gathering of evidence and preparation of statements. This could be done through officers’ personal development plans and quality control checks.

The Inquiry Panel recommends that the PSNI reviews the role of supervisory officers and the requirement to monitor notebook entries on a regular basis and, on a random basis, compare entries with statements of evidence.

The Inquiry Panel recommends that the PSNI ensures that where officers of whatever rank use a personal journal or any other book for recording evidence and policy/strategy, such books are available for inspection and upon completion stored securely on police premises to meet disclosure requirements.

The Inquiry Panel recommends that the PSNI revisits its policy 11/07 on suspending an officer and ensures it is clear that when a decision is made not to suspend an officer, despite suspension criteria having been met, there is a formal and documented record for not doing so.

The Inquiry Panel recommends that consideration be given to reviewing the manner of funding in which neuropathology services are currently provided in Northern Ireland.