Final Report of the Morris Inquiry: The Case for Change

THE CASE FOR CHANGE
“The sledgehammer of regulations and statutory guidance is being
used to crack the nut of an allegation of incivility.”
Ken Jones, Chief Constable of Sussex
3.1 This Inquiry’s prime focus is, of course, the handling of professional standards
and employment matters by the MPS. We are required to consider the MPS’
policies, procedures and practices. However, as we have already said, because of
the statutory basis of the terms and conditions of police officers, and, in particular,
the regulatory framework for dealing with complaints and discipline, it is
impossible to view the MPS in isolation from the rest of the police service in
England and Wales.
3.2 We therefore make no apology for looking wider than the MPS, since we
believe it is essential to examine the statutory framework in order to fulfil our terms
of reference and to do justice to the task we have been given.
3.3 Indeed, we are specifically asked to comment on whether the MPS’ policies,
procedures and practices “represent good effective practice” (Paragraph 3, terms of reference)
when compared, not just to other police services, but also to other public service
organisations.
3.4 We are also asked to examine “whether it is possible for the investigation of
complaints and allegations to be dealt with in a swifter, less bureaucratic and less resource
intensive way, so that the investigative effort can be seen to be proportionate to the gravity of
the allegation.” (Note 6, terms of reference.)
3.5 Finally, we are asked to consider “the extent to which the current requirements of the
relevant legislation and regulations hinder the swift resolution of cases.” (Note 7, terms of reference.)
3.6 This chapter will, therefore, concentrate on the office of constable, the national
framework for complaints and discipline and contain our observations on that
framework, as well as our recommendations for change.
The office of constable
3.7 “Well, the office of constable, as you are well aware, is steeped in history. I think I speak
for all of my colleagues here, we are all proud to be Metropolitan Police officers, and all that
goes with that. It is a very responsible role; society invests in their police officers some powers
which ordinary citizens do not have, and they are powers that have to be used correctly, and
in … strict accordance with the law.”
(Evidence of Don Ratcliffe, General Secretary, Joint Executive Committee,
Metropolitan Police Federation.)
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