| 2 Complaints and Discipline |
| 2.1 During 1997/98, 494 complaints cases were
received and this continues the downward trend in the force, evident since 1993. To
maintain public confidence in the complaints system, the force responds fully, in writing,
to complainers at the conclusion of each investigation. Of the complaints cases completed
during the year, only 6 complainers expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome. |
| 2.2 An observation by the Lay Inspector of
Constabulary, in the 1997 Primary Inspection Report, suggested that a review be undertaken
of the need for Chief Inspectors as investigating officers for the majority of
investigations undertaken by the Complaints and Discipline Branch. |
| 2.3 The Force has undertaken a comprehensive
review and examination of structure, practices and workloads in this area and, as a
result, has reduced 2 posts of Chief Inspector to Inspector. A further Chief Inspector
post has been redeployed to the operational establishment of the force thanks to the
reduction in the number of complaints cases. HMIC welcomes this measure and hopes that a
further reduction in staffing levels can be achieved should the numbers of complaints
cases continue their downward trend. |
| 2.4. A further observation at the last
inspection questioned the deployment of a number of Complaints and Discipline Branch Chief
Inspectors at strategically located satellite offices within Divisions. Following review,
HMIC accepts that benefits are gained through less travelling time and proximity to
witnesses and complainers alike. It is important however that these posts remain
independent of Divisions to ensure that a totally objective view is taken of all
complaints investigated. |
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| 2.5 Since the primary inspection, a total of
ten complaints alleging racism had been reported. HM Lay Inspector examined five of these
and found them to be thoroughly and objectively investigated with sensible conclusions
reached. |
| 2.6 HM Lay Inspector visited several
divisional custody centres and found the cells areas to be well maintained with practices
in relation to cell maintenance being adhered to. HM Lay Inspector noted however that the
numbers of prisoners passing through the custody centres precluded them on occasions from
showering and shaving prior to court appearance, contrary to force procedures. This is an
important welfare aspect for prisoners and HM Lay Inspector would encourage the force
to examine morning staffing levels in custody centres to ensure this provision is being
met. |
| 2.7 CCTV technology is now being installed in
charge bar and cells areas of police offices, where the systems have been welcomed. Whilst
all stations are not covered the force is working towards this as funding becomes
available. Other technology in the form of bar code readers is being used to scan in
details of prisoner checks at custody suites which give an automatic transfer of
information onto the computerised custody recording system. The new HM Lay Inspector
endorsed this good practice in the area of prisoner welfare. |
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