Parliamentary discussion potentially arises over police complaint documentation
The Police Complaints Commission (PCC) is set to face scrutiny next week, as Deputy Rob Curgenven leads calls for a debate on the annual report. The move comes amid growing concerns about the effectiveness of the current police complaints system, with Deputy Curgenven backed by Policy & Resources Vice-President Deputy Gavin St Pier.
Last year, the Assembly admitted publicly that the system is 'not fit for purpose', and this year, the PCC has received 39 complaints against police officers, most of which related to conduct during arrests. Notably, one complaint was made against a senior police officer.
The PCC's expenses, which amounted to £3,310, do not currently include the cost of staff time and legal advice provided through St James' Chambers. This has raised questions about transparency and accountability within the Commission.
In the past year, appeals to complaint decisions fell to zero, and Deputy Curgenven has stated that no appeal has ever been upheld by the Commission. This suggests a lack of recourse for those dissatisfied with the initial outcome of their complaints.
The new Chief of Police, while not explicitly named, has been described as an active listener by Deputy Curgenven. The Chief's advocacy for the independence of the complaint system is a positive step towards reform, according to many.
The Commission itself has signalled the need for related legislation to be reviewed, and they have welcomed an amendment to the Police Complaints Regulations. This amendment enables the appropriate authority to consider evidence from body-worn cameras at an early stage, potentially improving the investigation process.
However, Deputy Curgenven argues that the process can be strengthened even more. He needs to convince a majority of deputies to debate the report, and if successful, the States could embark on a full-scale review of the complaints process.
Home Affairs updated the law last year, introducing an initial review of complaints to assess their seriousness before proceeding to a full investigation. The Committee for Home Affairs has renewed its commitment to this review, signalling a continued push for reform within the police complaints system.
