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IPCC Role

Oversight and Accountability: Working together to improve care in police custody Sarah Green IPCC Commissioner. IPCC Role. IPCC role in improving care of detainees. Conduct or oversee investigations Consider appeals re: complaints in some cases

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IPCC Role

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  1. Oversight and Accountability:Working together to improve care in police custodySarah Green IPCC Commissioner

  2. IPCC Role

  3. IPCC role in improving care of detainees • Conduct or oversee investigations • Consider appeals re: complaints in some cases • Produce annual statistics on deaths, and research • Identify learning, and ensure this is reflected in PACE, police guidance and training • Work with others to ensure changes are implemented

  4. Where extra care is needed • Use of restraint or force prior to & during detention • Alcohol and drugs • Physical and mental health issues • Detention of children • Risks of suicide post release from custody

  5. Use of force/ restraint • Recording use of force/restraint • Restraint techniques used during arrest or transportation should be explained by the arresting officer before a risk assessment is completed, and any effects caused by restraint may indicate a need for medical attention Specific issues: • Use of tasers within custody – should not be used as pain compliance • Emergency Response Belt (ERB) should not be used as a spit/bite hood.

  6. Alcohol and drugs • Individuals who have consumed alcohol and drugs should be risk assessed on arrival and throughout detention, and unwillingness and inability to participate in risk assessment is a possible warning of risk. • “Intoxication” changed to drunk and incapable • “Under the influence” and risk assessment • Cell visits and checks must be completed at appropriate intervals. • If a detainee cannot be roused, they should be immediately treated as a medical emergency

  7. Physical and mental health issues • Police custody should only be used as a place of safety as a last resort • Symptoms of serious illness or injury may go unnoticed in individuals who are well known or familiar to police officers

  8. Children • IPCC submission to All Party Parliamentary Group for Children on Children and the police • IPCC response to recent PACE consultation (appropriate adults)

  9. Risks relating to type of offence: apparent suicides following police custody: 2012/13

  10. Review of IPCC’s work in investigating deaths Aim of the Review To identify and implement changes to ensure that our work in investigating deaths is: • thorough, transparent and effective • sensitive to the needs and expectations of bereaved families • able to build and sustain public confidence

  11. Emerging Findings Progress Report published September 2013 Main themes: • Independence of the IPCC • IPCC engagement with bereaved families • Effectiveness of IPCC investigations Final report December 2013

  12. Independence Feedback • IPCC too close to the police and police too involved in our investigations Action • Diversifying our work force • Strengthening role of Commissioner • Clear directions at the scene and will publish our expectations Future • Expanded IPCC – ex police will not investigate previous force • More internal specialists • External experts

  13. Engaging with Families Feedback • Lack of sensitivity • Lack of involvement and information given Action • Training to ensure sensitivity and that we meet needs • Meeting Commissioner and contact with manager • Revised leaflets • Provide opportunity to comment on terms of reference, press releases and given meaningful updates Future • Work with INQUEST • Revise approach to family liaison

  14. Effectiveness Feedback • IPCC should investigate all deaths • If do not, need to consistent, transparent and timely in deciding which cases to investigate Action • Any death where there may have been a breach of Art.2 is independently investigated • Will publish decision making criteria • Pilot central decision making unit

  15. Effectiveness Feedback • Investigations take too long • Quality variable • lack robust analysis of evidence and sufficient challenge of police accounts Action • Reviewing investigations directorate, recruiting more staff • Further training • Improve quality assurance

  16. Effectiveness Feedback • IPCC needs to do more to share good practice, and should enforce recommendations Actions • Seeking new powers to require forces to respond to learning recommendations • Continue to work with ACPO and College of Policing to ensure national recommendations are reflected in guidance • Feed into HMIC/HMIP custody inspections • Working with PCCs and custody visitors to ensure recommendations are implemented

  17. Learning the Lessons • The IPCC publishes a regular bulletin to help the police service learn lessons from investigations and other operations of the police complaints and conduct system. • Bulletin 16 covers custody

  18. Any questions ? www.ipcc.gov.uk

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