New statutory guidance from the Independent Police Complaints Commission

Report: 9
Date: 1 April 2010
By: Chief Executive

Summary

This report from the Chief Executive is to inform members that the new Statutory Guidance on the police complaints system, issued by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will come into effect on 1 April 2010.

A. Recommendation

The report be received.

B. Supporting information

1. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has a statutory duty to promote public confidence in the police complaints system.

2. The IPCC issues Statutory Guidance on the police complaints system under section 22 of The Police Reform Act 2002. The Statutory Guidance applies fully to all 43 Home Office police forces in England and Wales and applies to all police officers, police staff members and special constables working within those forces.

3. The Statutory Guidance also applies to all police authorities for the 43 Home Office police forces, who are responsible as the ‘appropriate authority’ for dealing with complaints, conduct matters and allegations against senior officers. The MPA, through the Professional Standards Cases Sub Committee is therefore responsible for dealing with complaints, conduct matters and allegations against officers in the Metropolitan Police Service who hold the rank of Commander, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner.

4. The new Statutory Guidance will introduce a number of changes to the way in which complaints and other conduct matters should be handled by both police forces and by police authorities. The new Statutory Guidance will apply to all complaints and recordable conduct matters which are recorded on or after 1 April 2010 and to all DSI matters arising from an incident which occurs on or after 1 April 2010.

5. Work is underway within the Professional Standards Unit to ensure that the Authority’s complaints material and guidance is updated in accordance with the new Statutory Guidance. A detailed report on the new Statutory Guidance is also to be presented to Members of the Professional Standards Cases Sub Committee at its next meeting.

6. Members of this Committee will then receive an update on the implementation of the new Statutory Guidance in July 2010. In the meantime, further details of the new Statutory Guidance are available upon request.

C. Race and equality impact

7. There are no equality and diversity impact issues directly arising from this report. The Statutory Guidance applies fully to all 43 Home Office police forces in England and Wales to all police authorities for the 43 Home Office police forces. The Statutory Guidance applies to all police officers, police staff members and special constables working within those forces.

D. Financial implications

8. There are no financial implications directly arising from this report.

E. Legal implications

9. The Independent Police Complaints Commission issues the Statutory Guidance under section 22 of The Police Reform Act 2002.

F. Environmental impact

10. There are no environmental implications arising from this report.

G. Background papers

None/p>

H. Contact details

RReport author: Alix Rejman, Acting Professional Standards & Legal Officer

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202br> Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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