Final Report of the Morris Inquiry: The Case for Change

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
have a look at all this. Have some people been here too long? Are we fighting the last
war? because that is what we may be.”
(Evidence of the Deputy Commissioner, Sir Ian Blair.)
7.54 We appreciate the problems that can arise when it is difficult to recruit
suitable staff. It is important that DPS is able to attract new staff to avoid a culture
where the ‘last war’ is being fought. We therefore welcome HMIC’s suggestion of
revamping recruitment and training initiatives. Ideally officers should move on after
a set period to keep the culture refreshed.
7.55 However, it is also important that the profile of officers and staff within DPS
reflects the make-up of the organisation as a whole. This is likely to increase trust
and confidence in the directorate.
7.56 It is generally accepted that a system of open competition represents best
practice in recruitment. This entails posts being advertised widely, with the
requirements of the post fully specified so that all candidates with the relevant
experience and skills can apply. We see no reason why posts within the MPS
should be filled any differently.
We recommend that the MPS puts in place recruitment processes which are
transparent and provide for equality of opportunity. These processes must
ensure that people of the right calibre are recruited to posts within the
Directorate of Professional Standards and must be extended to all ranks
including the most senior positions.
We recommend that the MPS puts in place processes to ensure that those
recruited receive the appropriate training to undertake the roles to which
they are assigned.
We recommend that the MPS takes steps to ensure that the future profile of
the Directorate of Professional Standards reflects the diversity of the MPS as
a whole.
We also recommend that a system of time-limited tenure of posts is
considered.
The Review of Operation Lancet
7.57 The recommendations of Operation Lancet: A Case Study Review Report have
been commended to us by a number of witnesses, including the MPA, the IPCC
and the PSAEW. The Inquiry endorses the report’s emphasis on proportionate and
timely investigations into the conduct of officers.
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