Training needed for new complaints process

30 January 2020

THE overhaul of the police complaints and discipline process is a positive step forwards, according to the Essex Police Federation.

The new legislation comes into effect on 1 February and aims to ensure that complaints can be dealt with quickly, effectively and proportionately. There will be a greater emphasis on learning from mistakes.

Steve Taylor, Chairman of Essex Police Federation, said: “The drive towards more educational-based learning for officers, as opposed to ‘catch and punish’, is something I’m very much in favour of. There are elements of the regs that sorely needed an overhaul and we welcome the work that’s being done towards it.”

He added that the Federation would have liked to see more emphasis on training, as the new legislation had come through very quickly. He said: “The changes mean there’s more space for matters to be successfully resolved at a local level before escalation, and that’s going to require buy-in by those local managers. That’s where the training needs to be focused.”

Steve said that the Federation’s advice for members was the same as always – to seek advice when confronted with an allegation.

He added: “We’re supportive of this change and hope it’ll be well-embedded and adopted by forces across the country, but particularly in Essex.”