Five year legislative review
7. Extension of remit to include those acting on behalf of the Chief Constable
| What is the current position? |
Currently the Police Ombudsman can investigate complaints about civilian officers operating in custody suites. However, the disciplinary recommendations that the Police Ombudsman can make are limited. Civilian investigators, those health professionals providing services in custody suites, call handlers, or others providing services to the Chief Constable under contract are not currently under the remit of the Police Ombudsman. Complaints about their conduct are dealt with by the PSNI. |
| What we propose |
We believe that the conduct of civilians or other individuals acting on behalf of the Chief Constable or providing services in a contractual relationship to him, such as civilian investigators, should be brought within the remit of the Police Ombudsman for the purposes of complaints against those personnel. We also believe that the Police Ombudsman should be able to make a full range of disciplinary recommendations in respect of those civilian staff. |
| Why is it important? |
Having the same range of powers in respect of certain designated staff would provide an effective oversight mechanism and address the current accountability gap. The same accountability gap for former police officers and others providing services under contract was identified and addressed in England and Wales through provisions in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Bringing more police support staff within the remit of the Police Ombudsman is particularly important where those staff are public-facing and can play crucial roles in assisting the Chief Constable in meeting his statutory obligations. |