Federation to give evidence in IOPC inquiry

21 January 2021

The devastating impact that long-drawn-out conduct investigations can have on officers will be set out when the Federation gives evidence to a Home Affairs Select Committee (HASC) inquiry into the role of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) next week.

The Federation has been called to give evidence to the inquiry, which will consider the police complaints system and the time taken to resolve complaints, on Wednesday (27 January).

It will highlight the detrimental, and costly, impact of lengthy disciplinary investigations on police officers, their families and their colleagues as part of its Time Limits campaign. The campaign calls for conduct investigations to be concluded within 12 months of an allegation being made.

Ian Spain, conduct lead for Humberside Police Federation, has welcomed the HASC inquiry and is pleased the Federation is taking part.

“The Federation has long been calling for the length of conduct investigations to be limited,” says Ian, “All too often we see first-hand the devastating impact conduct proceedings can have on an officer, their families, their friends and their colleagues. We have seen lives torn apart as these investigations are left hanging over people for an inordinate amount of time.

“Police officers go in this job knowing, and accepting, that their actions will be scrutinised. They understand that is necessary. However, the way they are treated sometimes is inhuman and sometimes it appears to be forgotten that despite their uniform they are human beings. They suffer emotionally and mentally when they are subjected to long-drawn-out investigations that serve no one well – least of all complainants or the victims involved.

“Conduct investigations have to be thorough and efficient. They should be proportionate and not overly protracted or over engineered. They must be carried out in a timely manner because there is an incredible price to be paid in terms of officer welfare when they are not. I hope by giving evidence to MPs involved in this committee inquiry the Federation can help change the way in which the IOPC works. We have seen some improvements but there is still a way to go.”

He added: “Internal delays in decision-making within the IOPC should not be allowed to impact on all parties involved in the investigation. The structure can be examined and I have made this representation previously. This would no doubt speed up the process for all concerned.”

The Federation’s national conduct and performance lead, Phill Matthews, said: “We appreciate this opportunity to share the stark findings we gathered as part of our ‘Time Limits’ campaign with the Home Affairs Select Committee.

“Protracted disciplinary investigations have ruined the careers of multiple colleagues, left a mark on their mental health and placed pressure on their home lives and loved ones. It is clear the effects are devastating.

“Public trust in the system will erode if people do not think their complaints will be dealt with quickly. This issue is already something many complainants frequently express.

“We are encouraged the IOPC is keen to work with us rather than against us. However, the issue of investigations rumbling on for more than a year still continues, and enough is enough,” he concluded.

The Federation is also calling for: 

• Improved IOPC investigator training, particularly in relation to post-incident procedures and disclosure 

• A move towards a system where breaching the time limit has consequences on the ability to proceed.