IOPC will not rule out conduct investigations over decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans

It comes after the retirement of West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford, who said the “political and media frenzy around his position” over the ban had become “detrimental” to his force.

On Monday (January 19) the West Midlands police and crime commissioner confirmed he had referred the former chief constable to the IOPC.

Simon Foster said: “These matters have had a significant impact on public confidence, and the confidence of particular communities in the West Midlands. This is unacceptable. The force know that I expect them to comply with the very highest standards of conduct at all times.

“I will therefore today make a voluntary referral to the IOPC regarding any conduct matters by the former chief constable in relation to these events.

“Continuing to hold the force to account for its actions, arising from the ban on away supporters from attending the football match on 6 November remains a top priority. At my Accountability and Governance Board next Tuesday (January 27), I will be considering in public, a report I have requested from West Midlands Police, and putting questions to the force. I also await the publication of the Home Affairs Committee report into these matters.

“I acknowledge the continuing and understandable public interest. I will continue to hold West Midlands Police to account. That is absolute, unconditional and non-negotiable.”

A “damning” report from His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary concluded that false intelligence sourced from artificial intelligence (AI) was used to justify the ban on away fans (see https://policeprofessional.com/news/confirmation-bias-influenced-wmps-recommendation-to-ban-maccabi-tel-aviv-fans/)

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the chief constable had “done the right thing” in stepping down, adding: “The findings of the Chief Inspector were damning. They set out a catalogue of failings that have harmed trust in West Midlands Police.”

The IOPC said it will continue looking into the actions of West Midlands Police, and the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Birmingham, following Mr Guildford’s retirement as chief constable.

IOPC Director General Rachel Watson, said: “Our interest in the actions of former Chief Constable Guildford, and other officers involved, does not end following his decision to step down.

“Over the last few days, we have been examining a wealth of evidence, and we have met with His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services to request additional material.

“We will continue examining all available evidence to inform our assessment of whether we should undertake any independent conduct investigations. If that is the case, we’ve said we are prepared to use our powers of initiative to independently investigate in the absence of formal referrals.

“We are also liaising with the Home Affairs Committee regarding evidence given by ex-CC Guildford and other officers during evidence sessions in December and January and await its findings regarding the evidence given to the Committee. If there is any indication of misconduct we will act.”

Mr Foster said he had met with Acting Chief Constable Scott Green and Acting Deputy Chief Constable Jen Mattinson and received assurances that there will be “an effective and efficient operational transition” following the retirement of Mr Guildford.

“The force’s priority will continue to be preventing and tackling crime and keeping the people of the West Midlands safe and secure,” he said.

“I want to ensure the force takes comprehensive and immediate action to rebuild the trust and confidence of all our communities across the West Midlands.”

Speaking on Monday in his first full day in the role of acting chief constable, Mr Green said: “I want to start with a full and sincere apology from me on behalf of West Midlands Police.  The failings identified by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, in his update letter to the Home Secretary in relation to our planning, policing and subsequent response to the Aston Villa versus Maccabi Tel Aviv, are damning.  A direct impact of our actions has been a loss of trust and confidence from the public of the West Midlands and more broadly. More specifically, I know we have damaged our relationship with individuals and Jewish communities – locally, nationally, and internationally. We have damaged our relationship with communities and many others are feeling disappointed in their police force.

“Our response to criticisms of the force, and our reaction to the Home Secretary’s statement to Parliament on Wednesday was too defensive and not acceptable. I reiterate again my unreserved apology for the damage that we have caused.

“I am committed to West Midlands Police learning from these events, but most importantly, taking immediate action focused on repairing the damage we have caused which has resulted in the loss of the confidence individuals and communities have in us. The public losing confidence in policing, undermines the core principles of British Policing. We will work tirelessly to restore that trust, ensuring that we police without fear or favour.”

Mr Green added: “I have today asked Acting Deputy Chief Constable Jen Mattinson to undertake a voluntary referral to the IOPC in relation to any recordable conduct matters by senior officers in West Midlands Police in relation to these events.

“We will continue to fully engage with HMICFRS as their work continues and we will respond promptly and effectively to all matters raised by them. I am steadfast in ensuring that we do not repeat our wrongs, we listen and make changes.

“The officers, staff and volunteers of West Midlands Police, particularly those on the frontline, work tirelessly to protect the communities that we serve without fear or favour.   This will not change.

“The police and crime commissioner and I have already met today to discuss the actions the force will take to re-build trust and confidence with the public of the West Midlands, and we are committed to working together to deliver this.”