A newly formed Independent Complaints Scrutiny Panel has been launched to ensure independence in analysing and reviewing a proportion of public complaint cases.
The Panel met for the first-time last month, hosted by the Office of the Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner (ODPCVC).
Durham Constabulary Professional Standards Department look into individual public complaints cases and any complaints about the Force are passed to the Appropriate Authority in line with Statutory Guidance from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
As such, the ODPCVC has set up their Independent Complaints Scrutiny Panel to allow members to independently scrutinise a proportion of public complaint cases.
The Panel are asked to provide feedback and identify learning points for the organisation or individual around the proportionality and the decision-making of investigators and Appropriate Authorities.
The Panel will also consider the degree to which the outcome of the complaint is reasonable and proportionate and the degree to which the outcome is what could reasonably be expected based on the components of the complaint and the investigation.
The Panel will be conducted every three months and a representative from the Panel will make viable recommendations to the ODPCVC as to the proportionality and efficacy of decision making, and where appropriate underpin areas for improvement or change.
Steve White, Acting Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner said “I am very pleased the Independent Complaints Scrutiny Panel has launched and I look forward to seeing the analysis from independent members be used for organisational learning and reflection within Durham Constabulary.
“The purpose of the Panel is so that members can independently scrutinise the outcome of complaint cases, providing the public with confidence of our complaints procedure here, as well as ensuring greater transparency and community involvement”.
Further information on scrutiny panels can be found at: https://www.durham-pcc.gov.uk/Your-PCC/Scrutiny
Further information on complaint procedures can be found at: https://www.durham-pcc.gov.uk/Information-Hub/Compliments-and-complaints.aspx
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