New watchdog ‘must police the police’

A NEW police watchdog should be created to investigate allegations of criminality and misconduct against officers, according to police and council chiefs.

A body similar to the IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission) south of the Border should accompany the creation of a single national police force in Scotland with which justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has pledged to forge ahead.

Complaints regarding the police are now overseen by deputy chief constables in each force.

But the Association of Chief Police Chief Officers in Scotland (Acpos) said it would not be practical for one officer to handle complaints and misconduct across Scotland, in an official consultation into the new force.

Instead, a new independent body should be set up to look into criminal allegations, serious incidents and reviews of investigations, it said.

“Such a body would be independent of HMICS [Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland], to ensure the scrutiny and inspection roles are separate from the investigation of serious incidents and serious criminal allegations,” the Acpos submission states.

“There is a need for flexibility in how such a body would be staffed, with the balance on a small number of permanent staff who would lead an investigation, supported by the short-term secondment of appropriately skilled investigators drawn from the police service.”

It would take in the existing role of the Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland (PCCS) and include the ability to investigate complaints against chief officers and carry out investigations into serious criminal allegations. But Acpos warns the costs would not be “inconsiderable” even though the restructuring is meant to save money.

The IPCC was set up down south seven years ago and has been at the centre of a number of cases, including the shooting of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes in London by Met firearms officers in 2005. Met chief Ian Blair initially tried to block the IPCC from investigating the case, preferring an internal inquiry. The Commission eventually took over and its report criticised the Met command structure.

Mr MacAskill confirmed earlier this year the SNP administration would be forging ahead with a single police and fire service for Scotland to save an estimated £130m a year and £1.7 billion over 15 years.

A new watchdog is also supported by the Scottish Policing Federation which represents frontline officers. But the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents warns against “slavishly looking south of the Border” and copying the IPCC model.

The body says HMICS could take on this role with additional oversight from the police complaints commissioner.

But the Scottish Police Authorities Conveners Forum, comprising mainly councillors, also backs a new body which could incorporate HMCIS. “It is absolutely essential the investigation of complaints against the police is perceived by the public to retain the necessary levels of independent process,” it states.

Many respondents said the “adverse impacts” of creating single police and fire services should not be underestimated.

“Many respondents welcomed the proposed intention to enhance local accountability but a common view was that the arrangements appeared unclear and confusing,” a summary says.