NEWS


What the Fed did for me...


EVERY OFFICER’S WORST NIGHTMARE: PC Steve Gorman suffered every officer’s worst nightmare when a man died in his custody after swallowing drugs.


Ady Daly Phill Matthews


PFEW TAKES ITS ‘TIME LIMITS’ CAMPAIGN TO PARLIAMENT


Evidence of the devastating impact of lengthy disciplinary investigations on police officers and their families has been submitted to the Home Affairs Select Committee by the Federation. Hard-hitting case studies gathered as


part of our national Time Limits campaign will be shown to MPs investigating how the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) handles complaints. These include the case of


Metropolitan Police firearms officer Ady Daly, who was falsely accused of assault and spent three years fighting to clear his name – a jury took just 21 minutes to find him not guilty. And the case of PC Dan Hargan, also of the Met, who was subjected to the ‘living hell’ of an eight- year investigation which left him broken and suicidal. Phill Matthews, National Conduct


and Performance Lead for the Federation, said: “We appreciate this opportunity to share the stark findings we have 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.


“It is pleasing to see more


accountability within the IOPC and forces as they are now required to provide an explanation to police and crime commissioners when investigations take longer than a year.” Changes to Police Regulations


earlier this year also mean explanations now need to be provided to police and crime commissioners about why any investigation has not been concluded after 12 months. Phill added: “These measures simply


do not go far enough and have no teeth, and PFEW will be asking MPs to consider moving towards a system where breaching the time limits has consequences on the ability to proceed. “We are encouraged the IOPC


has admitted to us there is room for improvement and is keen to work with us rather than against us. This hasn’t always been the case. However, the issue of investigations rumbling on for more than a year still continues, and enough is enough.” Our Time Limits campaign launched


in 2019 and calls for investigations to be concluded within 12 months from the time any allegation is made, or reviewed after a year by a legally qualified chair who would be empowered to dismiss the case.


DID YOU KNOW? You should report any injury you receive on duty in writing to your supervisor, as this may assist you in an obtaining injury award at a later date. For more on your rights see - www.polfed.org


The Bedfordshire officer had the Police Federation at his side through the post-incident process and the subsequent inquest and investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). His rep, Jim Mallen, provided a reassuring presence. He engaged with investigators on PC Gorman’s behalf and challenged their requests. PC Gorman said: “The day after the incident I burst into tears. My wife was pregnant, it was supposed to be a happy time, but I was worried I could lose my job and go to prison. There were negative stories about us in the media.”


The IOPC accused PC Gorman and colleagues of assault. The Federation provided the gold standard legal representation and an inquest found that PC Gorman and colleagues had no case to answer. They later received commendations for their efforts to save the man’s life.


PC Gorman said: “You


don’t realise the value of Federation membership until you’re in trouble – I’d have hated to have been fending for myself.”


Have you got a story of how the Fed helped you? Email editor@polfed.org


OCTOBER 2020 | POLICE | 15


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