Final Report of the Morris Inquiry: The Case for Change

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
7.6 We have been informed that DPS has fully implemented the National
Intelligence Model, that operations are only initiated after careful analysis of
intelligence by its Intelligence Development Group and that organisational risks are
analysed using Strategic Intelligence Assessments.
7.7 We received evidence that there are 43 DPS policies which impact on conduct.
These have been reduced over the last two years from 140. It cannot be
appropriate to have such a large number of policies with which officers need to be
fully familiar or risk the consequences.
We recommend that the MPS creates a policy database and reference source
that is cogent and succinct, by reducing the number of policies which impact
on the process of discipline and conduct.
7.8 DPS’ remit is to investigate where the behaviour of officers potentially offends
the Police Code of Conduct, is criminal or makes the MPS potentially liable in civil
or employment law. It does not investigate the behaviour of ACPO officers, whose
conduct is the responsibility of the MPA, or police staff, although its remit does
extend to members of the public who are thought to be involved in corrupting
officers in the MPS.
“… our staff routinely face both temptation and provocation … DPS is an unavoidable
‘overhead cost’ of protecting our reputation and thus protecting policing by consent.”
(Submission of DAC Roberts.)
7.9 DPS believes it is making progress in the fight against corruption, and cites a fall
in the number of complaints from the public as “a clear indication that the combination of
preventative and educative efforts are bearing fruit.” (Submission of DAC Roberts.)
7.10 DPS’ Anti-Corruption Command has an international reputation and often lends
its officers and expertise to assist similar departments in foreign police services. We
have been told that the rest of the directorate is also seen as very effective.
7.11 DPS has an important role to play in maintaining public confidence in the
MPS. The public has a right to expect the highest standards of professionalism from
police officers and that swift and decisive action is taken to deal with officers whose
conduct falls short of those standards. We recognise the importance of the work of
professional standards officers in maintaining the integrity of the police service in
this country.
A new role for the directorate?
7.12 If our recommendations concerning the abolition of the regulatory framework
governing police conduct issues are accepted, there will be major implications for
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