Final Report of the Morris Inquiry: The Case for Change

ENHANCING THE OFFICE OF CONSTABLE
3.71 In short, we consider that the system is “broke” and that it does need fixing.
It does not represent “good effective practice” (see our terms of reference) and it is
clear that it hinders the swift resolution of cases. We consider that there is ample
scope for the investigation of complaints and allegations to be dealt with in a
quicker, less bureaucratic and less resource intensive way.
3.72 The Police Federation has suggested that, because the IPCC is a very new
body, no changes should be made until it has had time to establish itself. We could
see force in this argument were it not for the fact that the IPCC itself is persuaded
of the case for change.
“The IPCC cannot at this stage detail what the changes should look like ... A reform of the
system to place an emphasis on fairness for both members of the police family and
complainants is in the best interests of all users of the system. (Submission from the IPCC.)
“What we want to do, I think, is to move closer to an employment ACAS kind of model,
without losing the important protections that officers should have. That will require changes
in the law and in the regulations, and we would want to see those changes, and we want to
participate in that.” (Evidence of John Wadham, Deputy Chair of the IPCC.)
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