Police Conduct Shake-Up ‘Long Overdue’

A shake-up of the police conduct system could be a positive step for officers if it leads to faster investigations, South Yorkshire Police Federation has said.

The Government last month announced a review of police misconduct processes, which will examine how officers are held to account, identify barriers that delay outcomes and consider how the system can be made faster, fairer and more effective.

Federation Chair Steve Kent welcomed the review but said meaningful reform is long overdue.

He said: “The current disciplinary system is weighted against police officers. Officers can be dismissed on the balance of probabilities, which is a terrifying position to be in when we’re talking about careers and livelihoods.

“The vast majority of complaints made against police officers are not upheld and, in some cases, are vexatious.”

Steve said the misconduct system requires a complete overhaul to ensure investigations are both fair and timely.

He explained: “I welcome the fact that the test now applied to use-of-force cases is beyond reasonable doubt. I think we need to move closer to that standard for misconduct proceedings as well.

“There is an obsession with misconduct and perceived misconduct. I accept that police officers should be held to a high standard, but not to an impossible standard, which is where we are now.”

The review, chaired by Dame Lynne Owens and Jason Beer KC, will examine how officers are held to account, identify factors that cause delays and explore ways to make the system more effective for everyone involved.

According to the Home Office, lengthy investigations can leave victims and their families waiting years for a resolution. They can also result in officers who have done nothing wrong being kept away from frontline duties for extended periods.

Steve said any reforms that reduce unnecessary delays while maintaining public confidence in policing would be welcomed by officers.

For more information about the review, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/police-misconduct-processes-to-be-reviewed