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Written question asked by Lord Lexden (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 March 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 April 2023. It was answered by Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Conservative) on Tuesday, 4 April 2023 on behalf of the Home Office.

Police: Misconduct

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to (1) the Written Answer by Lord Sharpe of Epsom on 22 February (HL5554) where he stated that "there are no provisions in legislation which entitle legally qualified chairs to remain anonymous”, and (2) the remarks by Lord Sharpe of Epsom on 20 March (HL Deb col 1531), when the name of the legally qualified chair appointed to hear a police gross misconduct case in Cleveland will be published.

Answer

The Home Office collects and publishes data on police misconduct cases finalised during a financial year period in the ‘Police misconduct, England and Wales’ statistical bulletin. It does not therefore include cases which have been referred to misconduct proceedings, where those proceedings have not yet concluded.

The Government is unable to comment on on-going misconduct proceedings, which are rightly conducted independently of government. There are therefore no plans to provide briefing on this or any specific misconduct hearing, nor is the Government able to provide any details relating to legally qualified chairs (LQC), who are appointed to both their role and individual panels by Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs). Any decision concerning publication of an LQC’s name is a matter for the relevant PCC


Cleveland’s most recent Police Efficiency, Effectiveness and Legitimacy report, published by His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), showed positive improvement in a number of key areas, including its crime recording and treatment of the public. However, it still has further to go to meet acceptable performance standards in respect of preventing crime and understanding and addressing its demand. As such HMICFRS have confirmed it will continue to be engaged. It remains PCC Turner’s responsibility to ensure that Chief Constable Webster takes effective action to address the inspectorate’s recommendations. We will continue to take a close interest in the force’s progress as a member of the HMICFRS-chaired Police Performance Oversight Group.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL6680
Session
2022-23
Related items
Police: Misconduct
Wednesday, 22 February 2023
Written questions
House of Lords
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Disciplinary proceedings Disclosure of information Misconduct Police
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk