Federation response to PAC Report on the IPCC

31 March 2009

 

Responding to the findings of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the IPCC, Paul McKeever, Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales says:

“It is certainly right to have a body charged with independently investigating complaints made against the police, but for it to be effective the body must have the confidence of all parties involved. Since inception, the Federation has raised a variety of concerns about the IPCC, some of which are supported by the PAC report published today;

“Our first concern is that whilst the IPCC has the power to investigate police officers there is no body monitoring the effectiveness and impartiality of the IPCC itself. Further to this, there remains no provision for recommendations to be appealed, except by Judicial Review.

“Secondly is our concern about the effect investigations have on the officers involved. Investigations are often lengthy, fail to take account of the environmental context and pressures officers work under and individuals are often blamed for wider force failures.

“Third and finally is that for a body set up to be independent and aimed at instilling confidence in both the public and the police, there has been limited consultation with officers, complainants and appellants to gauge views and experiences and this must be done for it to be measured and balanced effectively.

“The IPCC remains an important element of an accountable service, but until the system is fully impartial and fair, the public and the police will continue to question its ability and effectiveness.”

ENDS

 

 

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