Moved by
Lord Paddick
8: After Clause 1, insert the following new Clause—
“Scrutiny of investigation: timeliness
(1) The Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 are amended as follows.
(2) After regulation 13 insert—
“13A Scrutiny of investigation: timeliness
(1) A legally qualified person within the meaning of regulation 28(4)(a) and (6) of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 shall be appointed to scrutinise the information provided pursuant to regulation 13.
(2) On each occasion where information is provided in writing under regulation 13 paragraph (1) or (2) the legally qualified person appointed under paragraph (1) shall determine whether there is good and sufficient reason for—
(a) the time already taken; and
(b) realistically anticipated to be needed for completion of the investigation.
(3) In determining whether there is good and sufficient reason under paragraph (2) the legally qualified person may have regard to any relevant matter, and shall have particular regard to—
(a) whether the investigation has been efficient and effective;
(b) whether there has been unnecessary or unreasonable delay having regard to complexity and seriousness of the case;
(c) the impact upon the officer and others;
(d) any anticipated further delay;
(e) the public interest and affect upon confidence in the police disciplinary system; and
(f) representations made on behalf of any person entitled to receive a copy of the information provided under regulation 13.
(4) Unless the legally qualified person determines that there is good and sufficient reason under paragraph (2)(a) and (b) then—
(a) all investigation into possible misconduct or gross misconduct shall be terminated forthwith; and
(b) no disciplinary proceedings may be initiated in respect of the matters under investigation.
(5) Nothing in this provision shall have any effect in relation to any criminal investigation.”
(3) After regulation 19 insert—
“19A Scrutiny of investigation: timeliness
(1) A legally qualified person within the meaning of regulation 28(4)(a) and (6) shall be appointed to scrutinise the information provided pursuant to regulation 19.
(2) On each occasion where information is provided in writing under regulation 19(1) the legally qualified person appointed under paragraph (1) shall determine whether there is good and sufficient reason for—
(a) the time already taken; and
(b) realistically anticipated to be needed for completion of the investigation.
(3) In determining whether there is good and sufficient reason under paragraph (2) the legally qualified person may have regard to any relevant matter, and shall have particular regard to—
(a) whether the investigation has been efficient and effective;
(b) whether there has been unnecessary or unreasonable delay having regard to complexity and seriousness of the case;
(c) the impact upon the officer and others;
(d) any anticipated further delay;
(e) the public interest and affect upon confidence in the police disciplinary system; and
(f) representations made on behalf of any person entitled to receive a copy of the information provided under regulation 19.
(4) Unless the legally qualified person determines that there is good and sufficient reason under paragraph (2)(a) and (b) then—
(a) all investigation into possible misconduct or gross misconduct shall be terminated forthwith; and
(b) no disciplinary proceedings may be initiated in respect of the matters under investigation.
(5) Nothing in this provision shall have any effect in relation to any criminal investigation.””
Member’s explanatory statement
This amends the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 to provide for a mechanism for scrutiny and consequences where there are delays in disciplinary proceedings being brought against police officers.