- Conference
- 2008 Police Staff Service Group Conference
- Date
- 25 June 2008
- Decision
- Carried
Conference is concerned by the apparent lack of objectivity within Professional Standards Department (PSD) investigations and the lack of knowledge with regard to Police Staff Terms and Conditions and employment legislation.
The manner in which investigations and the subsequent information are presented and produced often call into question the reported facts where our members under investigation are often considered guilty prior to having gone through the appropriate process. Investigations should be concerned with presenting of facts with adequate opportunity for the accused to prepare and respond in the knowledge that it will be presented in an accurate and unbiased manner.
Conference expects our members to be treated fairly and reasonably during and after the investigation process. All members have the right to be treated reasonably and with dignity and respect in all circumstances.
Conference therefore calls on the Service Group Executive to enter into dialogue with the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), Home Office and Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) with a view to:
1)agreeing with the relevant bodies an appropriate protocol for the management and training of officers within PSD with regard to Police Staff investigations, terms and conditions and employment legislation;
2)the feasibility of IPCC monitoring and reporting of Police Staff investigations;
3)the feasibility of returning the responsibility for such investigations to HR departments;
4)to report outcomes back to 2009 conference or via Service Group bulletin if outcomes are available sooner.
Conference further belives our representatives need support, advice, guidance and training. In achieving this conference instructs the SGE to examine the feasibility of providing specific training for Police branches and the possibility of a national seminar on issues relating to Police Staff misconduct.