Report to the People
It’s a Fair Cop, Guv?
Last Thursday, the Inspectorate of Constabulary published a report into the police complaint investigation system in Scotland.
Wittily entitled "A Fair Cop?", the report states that the overwhelming majority of complaints against police officers in Scottish forces are investigated with thoroughness, impartiality and integrity.
This is certainly reassuring. If we are to work in partnership with the police to rid our streets of crime, it is vital that we have confidence both in the police and in the complaints process.
The report also identifies a number of defects in the system. There are significant differences in the way the various police forces record and investigate complaints. It also called for the underlining of the fact that both the Crown and Procurator Fiscal service independently investigate criminal allegations against police officers. The report also revealed that there is no structured system for addressing complaints which do not involve allegations against individual officers.
The Justice Minister, Jim Wallace, is taking these findings seriously. The majority of the report’s recommendations are aimed at Chief Constables and the Minister has already encouraged them to implement them.
The Executive is examining the recommendations and there will be a full public debate on the issue when a consultation paper on police complaints is published later in the year.
There is a case for change in police complaints. I know it’s a cliché, but justice must be done and seen to be done. The Justice Minister is on record as saying he wants to see an independent element in police complaint investigation, as recommended by the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry.
This would ensure that the public have complete confidence in the complaints procedure. It would also allow police officers who fall victim to malicious allegations to emerge without a stain on their reputation.
Strong communities need strong police forces. And strong police forces need strong links with their communities.
This is happening in Greenock. Our new top officer, Supt. David McCall, is working hard to improve police’s links and relationship with the wider community. We have had a number of meetings and he has explained how, with a greater emphasis on community policing, traditional barriers are being broken down and new relationships fostered.
A transparent, efficient complaints procedure can only strengthen such partnerships – partnerships which are essential in our fight against crime.
The report is available on the HMIC website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/hmic/docs/afcp-00.asp
[ HOME ] [ News ] [ Calendar ] [ Contacts ] [ Links ] [ E-Mail ]
[ Copyright ] [ Open Government ] [ Scottish Parliament ]