NEWS


VIEW FROM THE CHAIR


Lengthy misconduct investigations costing millions


Protracted investigations by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are costing taxpayers millions of pounds each year. Research by the national Police Federation


calculates that an investigation lasting up to six months costs £15,101 per officer which rockets to £302,012 when it drags on for five or more years – 20 times higher.


This is based on the cost of investigators’ offices, legal aid and officers being suspended or on restricted duties. When narrowed down to suspended officers only the costs are considerably higher – at £67,968 for a six months investigation and £453,115 per officer after five years. This is due to the force having to fully replace them until proceedings conclude. Our Conduct and Performance Lead, Phill Matthews, pictured above, said: “Prolonged misconduct investigations have not only ruined the careers of so many officers, but severely impacted their mental health, their families and their colleagues – and now we have evidence they are a huge drain on the public purse too.” Our findings have been submitted to the Home Affairs Select Committee of MPs as part of their inquiry into the remit of the IOPC, the police complaints system and the time taken to resolve complaints. PFEW continues to highlight the detrimental impact of lengthy disciplinary investigations on officers as well as to public confidence as part of our Time Limits campaign, which is calling for investigations to be concluded within 12 months. Phill added: “It’s right that officers are held


accountable and I absolutely condemn dishonest or inappropriate behaviour. However, the IOPC often inexplicably pursues cases where our members have acted properly – in many instances, investigations have gone on for five years or more and end in management advice or a written warning. “We want to see better training for IOPC


investigators and time freed up to uncover those that don’t deserve to be in the job. Public trust in the system will also erode if people do not think their complaints will be dealt with quickly.”


As police officers we’re often damned if we do and damned if we don’t. Nothing exemplifies this better than policing public protests during lockdown. For some our approach is too tough, for others not tough enough. Recent weeks have been particularly difficult. Our


colleagues have been vilified in the media and, in the case of Bristol, subjected to the most shameful physical attacks. Those responsible are not protesters, but criminals who will hijack any cause to sow disorder. We will not let them win. Now, more than ever, it is important that we stand tall and be proud of what we do as police officers, because the public need us. That doesn’t mean we will get everything right, but the vast majority of the time we do. Thankfully the cuts in our numbers are at last being


reversed. In this edition I’m speaking to DCC Janette McCormick, head of the Police Uplift Programme and we’re meeting some of our new colleagues. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and I know you will join me in making them and those who follow welcome. As you’ll see in this edition, we’re meeting a


transgender officer who has bravely shared her journey – proof that no matter our differences, what unites us is a shared commitment to public service and a passion for this extraordinary job we do. We’re also highlighting some of the work of Police


Federation reps ahead of elections which take place this summer. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a Fed rep and supporting your colleagues, this is your opportunity – it is one of the most rewarding roles in policing. Finally, on the vaccine, my view remains that policing


by its nature means we cannot easily mitigate the risk of exposure to the virus. We have no choice but to get hands-on with the public, and our colleagues must be prioritised. I understand and share the sense of betrayal that Government continues to resist this. I will keep making the case. Until next time, stay safe, walk


tall and thank you for all you do. I know it is deeply appreciated by the vast majority of the public.


John Apter National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales


APRIL 2021 | POLICE | 05


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