New reforms for police: Government Tables Amendment for Firearms Officers’ Anonymity
The government will introduce an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill to provide a presumption of anonymity for firearms officers who are subject to a criminal trial following a shooting. This anonymity will apply during court proceedings and in media reporting until the point of conviction.
Protecting Firearms Officers and Their Families
The move aims to address specific concerns raised during the accountability review about the risks firearms officers face from criminal gangs. By providing anonymity, the government hopes to protect these officers and their families from potential threats.
Improving Investigations into Police Use of Force
The bill will also include three measures to improve the timeliness and appropriateness of investigations into police use of force and the rights of victims:
Still on New reforms for police
– Aligning the threshold for referrals by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) of officers to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to that used by police when referring cases involving members of the public. This will help avoid clogging up the system with unnecessary cases.
– Speeding up processes by allowing the IOPC to send cases to the CPS where there is sufficient evidence, prior to their final investigation report. This will enable swifter resolution of cases.
– Putting the IOPC victims’ right to review policy on a statutory footing to ensure the voices of victims and their families are heard. This will provide a crucial step in delivering measures set out by the Home Secretary.
Home Secretary’s Statement
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the importance of rebuilding public trust in policing and the confidence of police officers in their vital work. She stated, “The proud British tradition of policing by consent depends on mutual bonds of trust between the police and the communities they serve.” Cooper highlighted the need for fair and swift accountability systems to support police officers in their duties.
Accountability Review Findings
The accountability review found that the current system for holding police officers to account is not commanding the confidence of either the public or the police. Misconduct proceedings are often plagued by delays stretching for years, which is damaging for complainants, police officers, and police forces alike.
Director of Public Prosecutions’ Review
The Director of Public Prosecutions has already completed a review of CPS guidance and processes in relation to charging police officers for offences committed in the course of their duties. Revised guidance provides greater clarity for prosecutors, ensuring that the dynamic and fast-changing nature of specialist policing decisions is taken into account when charging decisions are made.
Policing Leaders’ Support
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley welcomed the progress made on accountability reform, particularly the commitment to anonymity for firearms officers. Chief Constable BJ Harrington, Lead of the National Police Chiefs’ Council Operations Coordination Committee, also welcomed the announcement, stating that the changes will ensure the public interest is served and that police officers and staff will have the confidence to protect the public and uphold the law.
Further Reforms
The government has set out further reforms to rebuild public confidence in policing, including new regulations to ensure police chiefs can automatically sack officers who fail background checks. These reforms aim to root out officers who are unfit to serve and maintain the highest standards within policing.
New Reforms for Police Accountability to be Debated in Parliament
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