Final Report of the Morris Inquiry: The Case for Change

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Welfare support – “Dignity and respect”
7.139 We referred to welfare support earlier when we dealt with the role of the HR
directorate and we recommended an increased role for HR in this area. We have
heard a number of witnesses who have told us about a lack of welfare support to
officers under investigation:
“So no, no senior officer – my own inspector from the [redacted] came out initially two or
three times, something like that, but gradually, there was no contact at all, and definitely not
from a senior officer.” (Evidence of Mr HH.)
This extended to support to officers on return to work: “I think the Metropolitan Police,
anyway, seem to still have this attitude,‘You are a man, you are in a man’s job, you do not need
looking after, you are whatever age you are, you are adult enough to get on with things’, and
that is clearly wrong, in my opinion.” (Evidence of Mr HH.)
We recommend that the MPS gives the Human Resources directorate
responsibility for maintaining contact with officers under investigation and
overseeing welfare support and re-entry into the workplace for suspended
officers.
Media issues – “The MPS chose not to correct the press on any of the incorrect or
unhelpful stories about me”
7.140 Another contentious issue is the MPS’ contact with the media in disciplinary
cases. A number of concerns have been raised with us.
7.141 We recognise and support the critical role that the press and broadcast
media play in policing. Not only do they provide invaluable assistance in the
prevention and detection of crime but they also have a part to play in holding the
police service to account and providing citizens with information.
“Communication has a direct impact on the effectiveness and credibility of London policing
which cannot succeed without the consent and support of the community it serves.”
(Submission from Dick Fedorcio, Director of Public Affairs, MPS.)
7.142 We recognise that there is a difficult balance to be struck between the
public’s right to know and the impact which releasing information may have on an
individual who may then be subject to (sometimes intrusive) media interest and
comment and may well be innocent of any charges.
7.143 When investigating its own officers and staff, the MPS has a difficult line to
tread between openness and its duty to act fairly in respect of its workforce.
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