Recommendation

Review of Action Plan

Action and target date

55. That the changes to Police Disciplinary and Complaints procedures proposed by the Home Secretary should be fully implemented and closely and publicly monitored as to their effectiveness.

ACPOS should report to the Steering Group on the initial experiences of fast tracking in England and Wales.

(CRE)

ACPOS to report to Steering Group by April 2001

56. That in order to eliminate the present provision which prevents disciplinary action after retirement, disciplinary action should be available for at least five years after an officer's retirement.

The recommendation that misconduct proceedings can be taken after retirement is rejected, as any disciplinary measures taken after retirement could not be effective. The Executive will continue to work with the Home Office on the possibility of forfeiture of pension in serious cases, although recognising that forfeiture of pension for misconduct raises difficult issues.

(SE, SHRC, SPF)

Progress in England and Wales

The Home Office is examining the possibility of enabling pensions to be forfeited for serious misconduct.

57. That the Police Services should through the implementation of a Code of Conduct or otherwise ensure that racist words or acts proved to have been spoken or done by police officers should lead to disciplinary proceedings, and that it should be understood that such conduct should usually merit dismissal.

It is accepted that while racist words or deeds could lead to dismissal, each case has to be taken on its merits. This is reflected in the ACPOS Guidance Manual. ACPOS should consult the Steering Group on its further guidance on misconduct, which should make clear that racist words or deeds constitutes misconduct and reflect the severe view taken of such conduct. Further consideration should be given by the Executive as to whether racism should be made explicit within the definition of misconduct in the Regulations when they are next amended.

(Clackmannanshire Council, CRE, EMLC, GBEMVSN, SPF)

Progress in England and Wales

Code of conduct for police officers in England and Wales was introduced 1 April 1999. Under it, racist language or behaviour would be a breach of the code. Statistics on its application were available from September 2000.

ACPOS to report to Steering Group by April 2001

58. That the Home Secretary, taking into account the strong expression of public perception in this regard, consider what steps can and should be taken to ensure that serious complaints against police officers are independently investigated. Investigation of police officers by their own or another Police Service is widely regarded as unjust, and does not inspire public confidence.

The Scottish Executive will consult on future arrangements for police complaints in Scotland, with a consultation period ending in spring this year.

Progress in England and Wales

The Home Office published a consultation paper, along with reports from KPMG and Liberty in May 2000. Following consultation, a further paper proposing a framework for a new system was published in December 2000 and invited comments by the end of February 2001.

59. That the Home Office review and monitor the system and standards of Police Services applied to the selection and promotion of officers of the rank of Inspector and above. Such procedures for selection and promotion to be monitored and assessed regularly.

The ACPOS Guidance Manual makes clear the importance of monitoring career development to identify and address disparities between racial groups. HMIC should have the lead responsibility for reviewing regularly selection and promotion procedures for best equality practice and transparency, examining specifically the impact of procedures on members of minority ethnic communities.

(ACPOS, CRE)

Progress in England and Wales

Targets have been set in England and Wales for progression of minority officers and for selection onto the Senior Command Course. A working group is examining arrangements for selection and support of officers with potential and will be reporting to the Home Secretary.