The inquiry will examine the role and remit of the Independent Office for Police Conduct within the police conduct and discipline system. It will look at how it works with police forces around the country to resolve complaints and progress in reforming the system following criticisms of the time taken to resolve complaints. It will also investigate what reforms are required to secure public confidence in the police conduct and disciplinary system.
Background
In 2017-18, there were 31,671 recorded complaints against the police– a decrease on the number in the previous year (34,103) but part of a longer-term increase since 2004-05 (when 22,898 complaints were recorded).
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is responsible for overseeing the police
complaints system in England and Wales. However, only the most serious and sensitive cases are dealt with by the IOPC—most complaints are dealt with by local forces themselves. Each police force has a separate department that oversees complaints. These are called ‘professional standards departments’ (PSDs). Responsibility for ensuring that issues are handled in a fair and just manner by a local force PSD rests with the Chief Constable, who is accountable to the relevant Police and Crime Commissioner or other relevant office holder.
Terms of reference
Written evidence is invited on the issues set out below – but please note that submissions do not need to address all of these issues.
- The role and remit of the IOPC within the police conduct and discipline system;
- Progress in reforming the complaints system, including speeding up decision making;
- How the IOPC is working with individual forces and policing bodies in order to respond to complaints;
- The need for the IOPC's new powers, and their expected impact; and
- Whether further reforms are required to secure public confidence in the police conduct and discipline system.