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The latest proposals to reform the police complaints and disciplinary systems strengthen the Independent Police Complaints Commission’s (IPCC) independence and its ability to deal effectively with police complaints and misconduct.  

The reforms were announced yesterday in response to recent consultations on the police complaints and disciplinary systems. The IPCC responded to the consultations and called for a number of new powers.

They include:

• The IPCC being able to investigate on its own initiative, without waiting for cases to be referred by the police.  This will mean that it can take immediate action, and be better placed to  ensure that its investigations deal with all relevant concerns.
• The IPCC having an Ombudsman-like power to recommend remedies in appropriate cases to ensure that there is a clear outcome for the complainant.   
• Police officers being required to cooperate with IPCC investigations, and to face disciplinary action if they do not.  This replicates the position of other professionals, like healthcare staff.

Yesterday’s announcement also recognises that the IPCC is re-examining its own structure in light of its considerable expansion and will be putting forward proposals for further changes by June 2015.

The proposed changes to the IPCC come within a wider set of proposals for change to the police complaints and disciplinary systems. The IPCC has long expressed concern about a complaints system which is over-complex, over-bureaucratic and over-focussed on blame, and has called for a radical overhaul of the whole system.

IPCC Chair Dame Anne Owers said:

“We welcome the additional powers for the IPCC, which will strengthen our ability to get to the root of a problem or concern, and assist learning and best practice.  An Ombudsman-like approach would play an important part in simplifying the complaints system and directing it towards resolution and remedy.

“We believe that the power of own initiative will strengthen our independence and our ability to act rapidly to address serious concerns.  

“The fact that forces now have to respond to our recommendations, alongside our work with the Inspectorate of Constabulary and the College of Policing, will enhance the impact we have on the complaints system and policing practice.

“Many of the other proposed changes are welcome, but the system itself will remain complex.  It is very important that moves towards localism do not make it even more difficult for complainants to navigate and to understand, and that the system as a whole is able to deliver consistent and fair outcomes.”

The Government’s consultation response was published alongside the first triennial review of the IPCC.  Both recognise the importance of the independent oversight and investigatory role of the IPCC and are supportive of the operational and governance changes already under way. 

Notes for editors.

The IPCC’s response to the Home Office consultation ‘Improving police integrity – reforming the police complaints and disciplinary systems’ can be found on our website.

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