IPCC commissioner steps down as force investigates alleged suppression of evidence

A commissioner has stood down and an investigator has been suspended in the inquiry into whether the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) perverted the course of justice. Jennifer Izekor has temporarily left her post as Police Scotland examines claims that the IPCC hid evidence that could have cleared a former officer accused of racism. Both her and the unnamed investigator will remain off work on full pay until the investigation has concluded. The IPCC was unable to comment on whether they will return to work following the inquiry. A spokesperson said: “In the circumstances IPCC Commissioner Jennifer Izekor has stood down from her duties as commissioner for the duration of the investigation. “Also, an investigator has been suspended until the investigation is concluded. “These actions do not indicate concerns about the integrity of the individuals involved but are a necessary step in the circumstances.” Ms Izekor stood down because her status as a public appointee rather than a direct IPCC employee means she could not be suspended. The investigation was launched on February 28 when the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) referred complaints about the IPCC’s handling of a racism claim to Police Scotland. The IPCC accused former MPS PC Mark Gatland of using unreasonable force motivated by discrimination when he Tasered Edric Kennedy-Macfoy in 2011. However, the case collapsed last July after the IPCC was unable to substantiate its claim. Mr Gatland and his colleagues, Inspector Sutinderjit Mahi and PC Daniel Roberts, alleged that the IPCC illegally suppressed evidence that would have cleared him of any wrongdoing. The IPCC admitted “procedural shortfalls” in the case and said it will fully cooperate with Police Scotland’s investigation. A Police Scotland spokesperson said it would be inappropriate to comment at this stage.