Dorset Police

Dorset PoliceProfessional Standards DepartmentFORCE HEADQUARTERSWINFRITH, DORCHESTER, DORSET DT2 8DZTelephone: 01929 462727Kate Hoey MPChairmanCountryside AlliancePehlam HouseLondon RoadMARLBOROUGHWiltshireSN8 2AAYour reference:In any reference please quote: CID/10/10NR.3769/APIf telephoning please ask for: Mr RedstoneDirect dial: 01202 223808Facsimile: 01202 223771E-mail: complaints&misconduct@dorset.pnn.police.ukDate: 14 February 2011Dear Ms HoeyI acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 7 February 2011 addressed to the Chief Constable, in whichyou refer to the misuse of private information relating to members of your organisation.There are two categories of complaint that can be made against the police. Firstly, a complaint relatingto the conduct of a person serving with the police in relation to the police code of conduct, which allofficers must abide by. This type of complaint is regulated by the Police Reform Act 2002 and would beone where a complainant has certain rights of appeal to the Independent Police ComplaintsCommission.The second category is one which complains about the direction and control of the organisation. Thesecomplaints often centre around how the Force is run, its policies and procedures and overall generalservice provided to the public. This type of complaint is not subject to an appeal process.I do not believe your complaint is regarding the conduct of an individual, but about the process/policyinvolved. Therefore I believe that your complaint falls into the category of direction and control, in that itis not a specific officer doing or omitting to do something, but a general lack of service to the issues youraise.I am therefore forwarding your correspondence to the Crime and Criminal Justice Command, which isresponsible for the issues you raise, and you will be contacted within 28 days.Please address any further correspondence in relation to this matter to Mrs J Milton, Crime and CriminalJustice Command, Force Headquarters, Dorset Police, Winfrith, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8DZ, ortelephone 01202 223752, quoting the reference number as above.You have a right to appeal against my decision not to record this as a conduct matter under the PoliceReform Act 2002, and I enclose a leaflet which will assist you should you choose to do so. Please beaware that you have 28 days from the date of postmark of this letter for the Independent PoliceComplaints Commission to receive your appeal.Yours sincerelyN REDSTONEHead of Complaints & Misconduct Unitenc