IPCC review into how it deals with serious cases

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) launched a review last week looking at the way it deals with its most serious cases.

The review, which has been the subject of discussion since the autumn of 2011, will look at how the IPCC handles cases where Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) is engaged. It will also examine the IPCC’s powers, its resources and approach towards dealing with cases of this kind.

As part of the review, a number of stakeholders, including those who have an interest in and experience of the IPCC’s work have been contacted including the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), Inquest, the Police Action Lawyers Group (PALG) as well as MPs and academics.

Many of the families and police forces affected by previous IPCC investigations are also being contacted.

Deborah Glass, IPCC deputy chair, said: “This review is a significant milestone for the IPCC. Eight years ago there were no independent investigations at all into deaths involving the police – everything was investigated by the police themselves. We now carry out over 160 investigations a year into the most serious cases, many of them involving death. They are, inevitably, our most challenging cases.

“We are particularly keen to invite our critics to help us look at how we approach these cases and if there is anything that we can do to improve the system and the way that we work.”

The aims of the review include:

•to take stock after eight years of operation and identify any changes/ improvements that are required to the IPCC’s approach, the resources allocated to this area and the IPCC’s powers;

•to engage extensively with all stakeholders particularly individuals who have been involved in the IPCC’s work in this area to listen to their views and concerns; and

•to improve public understanding of the IPCC’s work in this area and thus public confidence.

“Our focus will be the powers that we have, the resources available to us and the approach that we take to these cases,” added Ms Glass.

“Our first stage is to make sure we are asking the right questions and involving the right people, so we are seeking feedback on that.

“The review may well identify areas for legislative change or other matters outside our remit. We are keen to hear from as many people as possible on how we can improve our own practices and – working with other parties like coroners – raise public confidence in the system.”

The IPCC will announce the next stage of the review in April 2012. The closing date for those wishing to help inform the review is March 20, 2012.