PFEW takes ‘Time Limits’ campaign directly to MPs

Compelling evidence has been submitted by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) to the Home Affairs Select Committee in a bid to highlight the detrimental impact of lengthy disciplinary investigations on members and their families.

Hard-hitting case studies graphically illustrating how drawn out investigations can ruin the lives of police officers have been placed in front of MPs during a formal enquiry into the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is due to investigate public trust and confidence in the complaints system in the coming weeks.

The PFEW evidence forms part of a Parliamentary investigation into the IOPC’s handling of complaints and is based on material gathered during the Federation’s ‘Time Limits’ campaign. This influential campaign, which launched last year, highlighted the urgent need for investigations to be concluded within 12 months from the time an allegation is made.

The dossier includes the powerful personal testimony of MPS officer Adrian Daly, a firearms officer who was falsely accused of assault. He waited nearly three years to clear his name in a case full of errors, and PFEW took evidence from his wife to demonstrate the devastating impact on loved ones.

PFEW Conduct and Performance Lead Phill Matthews said: “We appreciate this opportunity to share the stark findings we gathered as part of our ‘Time Limits’ campaign with the Home Affairs Select Committee.

“Protracted disciplinary investigations have ruined the careers of multiple colleagues, left a mark on their mental health, and placed pressure on their home lives and loved ones. It is clear the effects are devastating.

“It is pleasing to see more accountability within the IOPC and Forces as they are now required to provide an explanation to Police and Crime Commissioners when investigations take longer than a year.”

Mr Matthews added: “These measures simply do not go far enough and have no teeth, and PFEW will be asking the Committee to consider the idea of moving towards a system where breaching the time limits has consequences on the ability to proceed.

“We are encouraged the IOPC has admitted to us there is room for improvement and is keen to work with us rather than against us. This hasn’t always been the case.

“However, the issue of investigations rumbling on for more than a year still continues, and enough is enough,” he concluded.