Police: Public Inquiries

(asked on 1st November 2021) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Government inquiry into issues raised by the conviction of Wayne Couzens, announced on 5 October 2021, for what reason it is not her policy to hold a statutory inquiry.


Answered by
Rachel Maclean Portrait
Rachel Maclean
This question was answered on 9th November 2021

The Home Secretary has announced a two part inquiry to investigate the issues raised by the conviction of Wayne Couzens. Part one will examine Couzens’ previous behaviour and establish a comprehensive account of his conduct leading up to his conviction, as well as any opportunities missed, drawing on the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s (IOPC) investigations, once concluded.

Part two can look at any specific issues raised by the first part of the inquiry, which could include wider issues across policing – including but not limited to vetting practices, professional standards and discipline, and workplace behaviour. The final scope of the inquiry will be determined by the Chair once appointed, in consultation with other parties, including the Metropolitan Police Service as appropriate.

The Chair will be responsible for deciding if a panel should be appointed and who will be on it. Given the need to provide assurance as swiftly as possible, part 1 of the inquiry will be established as a non-statutory inquiry. A non-statutory inquiry allows for greater flexibility, can be tailored to the issues and is likely to be faster and less costly.

The government has amended regulations to make it clear that it can be a breach of professional standards, leading to a disciplinary sanction, if officers fail to co-operate with investigations and inquiries, when identified as a witness. The Home Secretary will retain the option to convert to a statutory inquiry if, in consultation with the Chair, it is determined that the inquiry cannot otherwise fulfil its functions.

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