WIREDGOV

IOPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle yesterday said:

“We are aware of the outcome. This was a thorough investigation, and it is our role to ensure that the relevant evidence we gathered is provided to the force to present to the panel. This has been achieved.

“These were very serious allegations against three officers regarding their conduct following the tragic murder of Riley Siswick. It is our view, and according to the evidence we obtained, that there was sufficient evidence upon which a misconduct panel could find that the actions of the three police officers fell well below the standard expected.

“In light of this, we made the decision to direct that gross misconduct proceedings take place. The outcome of these proceedings is, however, a decision for the independent panel and not the IOPC.

“We are satisfied that these necessary, worthwhile hearings have taken place; not least that Riley’s family, and the wider community have had the opportunity to hear the officers account for their actions.

“We continue to work with West Yorkshire Police, where numerous processes have already been changed as a result of our investigation, particularly around preparing reports for coroners, and carrying out investigative work.

“We will now consider the panel’s findings with a view to publishing further details about our work in the near future.”