Parliamentary activity

Answering body: Home Office

It is crucial that the public have trust and confidence in the police and expect them to fight crime, keep us safe and carry out their duties to the highest professional standards

In the wake of the shocking murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer, the Government established the Angiolini Inquiry. The draft terms of reference for Part 2 were published on 18 January and a formal consultation was launched on 27 January. This part of the Inquiry will include an examination of vetting and recruitment processes to identify those not fit to serve, as well as investigate the extent to which misogyny and predatory behaviour exist in police culture

The Government has recently asked the College of Policing to strengthen the statutory code of practice for vetting, making the obligations all forces must legally follow stricter and clearer

In addition, on 17 January the Home Secretary launched a review into the process of police officer dismissals, ensuring that the system is fair and effective at removing those officers who are not fit to serve. The Terms of Reference for this review have now been published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/police-officer-dismissals-review-terms-of-reference

Answering body: Home Office

The Government is committed to do everything in its power to deliver improvements within policing and across the criminal justice system to secure confidence in the police and ultimately keep people safe.

As at 30 September 2021, the Metropolitan Police Service has recruited 2,070 additional officers and have been allocated a total of 2,713 additional officers for years one and two of the uplift combined. Preventative activity set out in the Beating Crime Plan is also vital to ensuring we create safer streets and neighbourhoods in London.

To provide assurance on progress made in counter-corruption, vetting and other areas of concern, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) are currently undertaking a thematic inspection into the MPS at the Home Secretary's request. HMICFRS have also agreed to look at lessons learned from the investigative failings in the Stephen Port case.

The establishment of the Angiolini Inquiry which will shine a light on the failings that allowed a serving police officer to abuse his power in such a horrific manner and make recommendations for change within policing.

The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report highlighted a number of recommendations across crime and policing earlier this year, including on improving trust and confidence by strengthening the systems of accountability and transparency. The Government will respond to these recommendations shortly.