Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30)

(The document as of February, 2008)

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(b) the power of a police authority or chief officer to refer a complaint to the Commission under sub-paragraph (2) or (3),

shall each be exercisable at any time irrespective of whether the complaint is already being investigated by any person or has already been considered by the Commission.

(6) A police authority or chief officer which refers a complaint to the Commission under this paragraph shall give a notification of the making of the reference--

(a) to the complainant, and

(b) except in a case where it appears to that authority or chief officer that to do so might prejudice a possible future investigation of the complaint, to the person complained against.

(7) A complaint that has already been referred to the Commission under this paragraph on a previous occasion--

(a) shall not be required to be referred again under this paragraph unless the Commission so directs; and

(b) shall not be referred in exercise of any power conferred by this paragraph unless the Commission consents.

Duties of Commission on references under paragraph 4

5 (1) It shall be the duty of the Commission in the case of every complaint referred to it by a police authority or chief officer, to determine whether or not it is necessary for the complaint to be investigated.

(2) Where the Commission determines under this paragraph that it is not necessary for a complaint to be investigated, it may, if it thinks fit, refer the complaint back to the appropriate authority to be dealt with by that authority in accordance with paragraph 6.

(3) Where the Commission refers a complaint back under sub-paragraph (2), it shall give a notification of the making of the reference back--

(a) to the complainant, and

(b) except in a case where it appears to the Commission that to do so might prejudice a possible future investigation of the complaint, to the person complained against.

Handling of complaints by the appropriate authority

6 (1) This paragraph applies where a complaint has been recorded by the appropriate authority unless the complaint--

(a) is one which has been, or must be, referred to the Commission under paragraph 4; and

(b) is not for the time being either referred back to the authority under paragraph 5 or the subject of a determination under paragraph 15.

(2) Subject to paragraph 7, the appropriate authority shall determine whether or not the complaint is suitable for being subjected to local resolution, and--

(a) if it determines that it is so suitable and the complainant consents, it shall make arrangements for it to be so subjected; and

(b) in any other case, it shall make arrangements for the complaint to be investigated by that authority on its own behalf.

(3) A determination that a complaint is suitable for being subjected to local resolution shall not be made unless either--

(a) the appropriate authority is satisfied that the conduct complained of (even if it were proved) would not justify the bringing of any criminal or disciplinary proceedings; or

(b) the Commission, in a case falling within sub-paragraph (4), has approved the use of local resolution.

(4) The Commission may approve the use of local resolution in the case of any complaint if, on an application by the appropriate authority, the Commission is satisfied--

(a) that the following two conditions are fulfilled--

(i) that the conduct complained of (even if it were proved) would not justify the bringing of any criminal proceedings; and

(ii) that any disciplinary proceedings the bringing of which would be justified in respect of that conduct (even if it were proved) would be unlikely to result in a dismissal, a requirement to resign or retire, a reduction in rank or other demotion or the imposition of a fine;

(b) that it will not be practicable (even if the complaint is thoroughly investigated) for either of the following to be brought--

(i) criminal proceedings in respect of the conduct to which it relates that would be likely to result in a conviction; or

(ii) disciplinary proceedings in respect of that conduct that would be likely to result in a dismissal, a requirement to resign or retire, a reduction in rank or other demotion or the imposition of a fine.

(5) No more than one application may be made to the Commission for the purposes of sub-paragraph (4) in respect of the same complaint.

(6) Before a complainant can give his consent for the purposes of this paragraph to the local resolution of his complaint he must have been informed of his rights of appeal under paragraph 9.

(7) A consent given for the purposes of this paragraph shall not be capable of being withdrawn at any time after the procedure for the local resolution of the complaint has been begun.

Dispensation by the Commission from requirements of Schedule

7 (1) If, in a case in which paragraph (6) applies, the appropriate authority considers--

(a) that it should handle the complaint otherwise than in accordance with this Schedule or should take no action in relation to it, and

(b) that the complaint falls within a description of complaints specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this paragraph,

the appropriate authority may apply to the Commission, in accordance with the regulations, for permission to handle the complaint in whatever manner (if any) that authority thinks fit.

(2) The appropriate authority shall notify the complainant about the making of the application under this paragraph.

(3) Where such an application is made to the Commission, it shall, in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State--

(a) consider the application and determine whether to grant the permission applied for; and

(b) notify its decision to the appropriate authority and the complainant.

(4) Where an application is made under this paragraph in respect of any complaint, the appropriate authority shall not, while the application is being considered by the Commission, take any action in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule (other than under paragraph 1) in relation to that complaint.

(5) Where the Commission gives permission under this paragraph to handle the complaint in whatever manner (if any) the appropriate authority thinks fit, the authority--

(a) shall not be required by virtue of any of the provisions of this Schedule (other than paragraph 1) to take any action in relation to the complaint; but

(b) may handle the complaint in whatever manner it thinks fit, or take no action in relation to the complaint, and for the purposes of handling the complaint may take any step that it could have taken, or would have been required to take, but for the permission.

(6) Where the Commission determines that no permission should be granted under this paragraph--

(a) it shall refer the matter back to the appropriate authority for the making of a determination under paragraph 6(2); and

(b) the authority shall then make that determination.

(7) No more than one application may be made to the Commission under this paragraph in respect of the same complaint.

Local resolution of complaints

8 (1) The arrangements made by the appropriate authority for subjecting any complaint to local resolution may include the appointment of a person who--

(a) is serving with the police, and

(b) is under the direction and control of the chief officer of police of the relevant force,

to secure the local resolution of the complaint.

(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision--

(a) for the different descriptions of procedures that are to be available for dealing with a complaint where it is decided it is to be subjected to local resolution;

(b) for requiring a person complained against in a case in which the complaint is subjected to local resolution to be given an opportunity of commenting, in such manner as may be provided for in the regulations, on the complaint;

(c) for requiring that, on the making of an application in accordance with the regulations, a record of the outcome of any procedure for the local resolution of any complaint is to be given to the complainant.

(3) A statement made by any person for the purposes of the local resolution of any complaint shall not be admissible in any subsequent criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings except to the extent that it consists of an admission relating to a matter that has not been subjected to local resolution.

(4) If, after attempts have been made to resolve a complaint using local resolution, it appears to the appropriate authority--

(a) that the resolution of the complaint in that manner is impossible, or

(b) that the complaint is, for any other reason, not suitable for such resolution,

it shall make arrangements for the complaint to be investigated by that authority on its own behalf.

(5) The local resolution of any complaint shall be discontinued if--

(a) any arrangements are made under sub-paragraph (4);

(b) the Commission notifies the appropriate authority that it requires the complaint to be referred to the Commission under paragraph 4; or

(6) A person who has participated in any attempt to resolve a complaint using local resolution shall be disqualified for appointment under any provision of this Schedule to investigate that complaint, or to assist with the carrying out of the investigation of that complaint.

Appeals relating to local resolution

9 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), a complainant whose complaint has been subjected to local resolution shall have a right of appeal to the Commission against the conduct of the local resolution of that complaint.

(2) The only matter that shall fall to be determined on an appeal under this paragraph is whether there have been any contraventions of the procedural requirements relating to the local resolution of the complaint.

(3) Where an appeal is brought under this paragraph, it shall be the duty of the Commission to give both--

(a) the person complained against, and

(b) the appropriate authority,

an opportunity of making representations about the matters to which the appeal relates.

(4) On an appeal under this paragraph, the Commission shall determine whether there have been any contraventions of the procedural requirements relating to the local resolution of the complaint.

(5) Where the Commission finds in the complainant's favour on an appeal under this paragraph--

(a) it shall give such directions as the Commission considers appropriate to the appropriate authority as to the future handling of the complaint; and

(b) it shall be the duty of the appropriate authority to comply with any directions given to it under this sub-paragraph.

(6) Where the Commission determines for the purposes of sub-paragraph (5) that the future handling of the complaint should include an investigation, paragraph 15 shall apply as it applies in the case of a determination mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) of that paragraph.

(7) The Commission--

(a) shall give notification to the appropriate authority, to the complainant and to the person complained against of any determination made by it under this paragraph; and

(b) shall give notification to the complainant and to the person complained against of any direction given by it under this paragraph to the appropriate authority.

(8) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision--

(a) for the form and manner in which appeals under this paragraph are to be brought;

(b) for the period within which any such appeal must be brought; and

Part 2 Handling of conduct matters

Conduct matters arising in civil proceedings

10 (1) This paragraph applies where--

(a) a police authority or chief officer has received notification (whether or not under this paragraph) that civil proceedings relating to any matter have been brought by a member of the public against that authority or chief officer, or it otherwise appears to a police authority or chief officer that such proceedings are likely to be so brought; and

(b) it appears to that authority or chief officer (whether at the time of the notification or at any time subsequently) that those proceedings involve or would involve a conduct matter.

(2) The authority or chief officer--

(a) shall consider whether it or, as the case may be, he is the appropriate authority in relation to the conduct matter in question; and

(b) if it or he is not, shall notify the person who is the appropriate authority about the proceedings, or the proposal to bring them, and about the circumstances that make it appear as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(b).

(3) Where a police authority or chief officer determines for the purposes of this paragraph that it or, as the case may be, he is the appropriate authority in relation to any conduct matter, it or he shall record that matter.

(4) Where the appropriate authority records any matter under this paragraph it--

(a) shall first determine whether the matter is one which it is required to refer to the Commission under paragraph 13 or is one which it would be appropriate to so refer; and

(b) if it is not required so to refer the matter and does not do so, may deal with the matter in such other manner (if any) as it may determine.

(5) Nothing in sub-paragraph (3) shall require the appropriate authority to record any conduct matter if it is satisfied that the matter has been, or is already being, dealt with by means of criminal or disciplinary proceedings against the person to whose conduct the matter relates.

(6) For the purposes of this paragraph civil proceedings involve a conduct matter if--

(a) they relate to such a matter; or

(b) they are proceedings that relate to a matter in relation to which a conduct matter, or evidence of a conduct matter, is or may be relevant.

(7) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide for the times at which, or the periods within which, any requirement of this paragraph is to be complied with; and the period from which any such period is to run shall be such time as may be specified in those regulations or as may be determined in a manner set out in the regulations.

Recording etc. of conduct matters in other cases

11 (1) Where--

(a) a conduct matter comes (otherwise than as mentioned in paragraph 10) to the attention of the police authority or chief officer who is the appropriate authority in relation to that matter, and

(b) it appears to the appropriate authority that the conduct involved in that matter falls within sub-paragraph (2),

it shall be the duty of the appropriate authority to record that matter.

(2) Conduct falls within this sub-paragraph if (assuming it to have taken place)--

(a) it appears to have resulted in the death of any person or in serious injury to any person;

(b) a member of the public has been adversely affected by it; or

(c) it is of a description specified for the purposes of this sub-paragraph in regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(3) Where the appropriate authority records any matter under this paragraph it--

(a) shall first determine whether the matter is one which it is required to refer to the Commission under paragraph (13) or is one which it would be appropriate to so refer; and

(b) if it is not required so to refer the matter and does not do so, may deal with the matter in such other manner (if any) as it may determine.

(4) Nothing in sub-paragraph (1) shall require the appropriate authority to record any conduct matter if it is satisfied that the matter has been, or is already being, dealt with by means of criminal or disciplinary proceedings against the person to whose conduct the matter relates.

(5) If it appears to the Commission--

(a) that any matter that has come to its attention is a recordable conduct matter, but

(b) that that matter has not been recorded by the appropriate authority,

the Commission may direct the appropriate authority to record that matter; and it shall be the duty of that authority to comply with the direction.

Duties to preserve evidence relating to conduct matters

12 (1) Where a recordable conduct matter that relates to the conduct of a chief officer comes to the attention of the police authority maintaining his force, it shall be the duty of that authority to secure that all such steps as are appropriate for the purposes of Part 2 of this Act are taken, both initially and from time to time after that, for obtaining and preserving evidence relating to that matter.

(2) Where a chief officer becomes aware of any recordable conduct matter relating to the conduct of a person under his direction and control, it shall be his duty to take all such steps as appear to him to be appropriate for the purposes of Part 2 of this Act for obtaining and preserving evidence relating to that matter.

(3) The chief officer's duty under sub-paragraph (2) must be performed as soon as practicable after he becomes aware of the matter in question.

(4) After that, he shall be under a duty, until he is satisfied that it is no longer necessary to do so, to continue to take the steps from time to time appearing to him to be appropriate for the purposes of Part 2 of this Act for obtaining and preserving evidence relating to the matter.

(5) It shall be the duty of a police authority to comply with all such directions as may be given to it by the Commission in relation to the performance of any duty imposed on it by virtue of sub-paragraph (1).

(6) It shall be the duty of the chief officer to take all such specific steps for obtaining or preserving evidence relating to any recordable conduct matter as he may be directed to take for the purposes of this paragraph by the police authority maintaining his force or by the Commission.

Reference of conduct matters to the Commission

13 (1) It shall be the duty of a police authority or a chief officer to refer a recordable conduct matter to the Commission if, in a case (whether or not falling within paragraph 10) in which the authority or chief officer is the appropriate authority--

(a) that matter relates to any incident or circumstances in or in consequence of which any person has died or suffered serious injury;

(b) that matter is of a description specified for the purposes of this sub-paragraph in regulations made by the Secretary of State; or

(c) the Commission notifies the appropriate authority that it requires that matter to be referred to the Commission for its consideration.

(2) In any case where there is no obligation under sub-paragraph (1) to make a reference, the appropriate authority may refer a recordable conduct matter to the Commission if that authority considers that it would be appropriate to do so by reason of--

(a) the gravity of the matter; or

(b) any exceptional circumstances.

(3) In a case in which a reference under sub-paragraph (1) or (2) is neither made nor required to be made, a police authority maintaining any police force may refer any recordable conduct matter to the Commission if--

(a) it is one in relation to which the chief officer of police of that force is the appropriate authority; and

(b) the police authority considers that it would be appropriate to do so by reason of--

(i) the gravity of the matter; or

(ii) any exceptional circumstances.

(4) Where there is an obligation under this paragraph to refer any matter to the Commission, it must be so referred within such period as may be provided for by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(5) Subject to sub-paragraph (7), the following powers--

(a) the power of the Commission by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(c) to require a matter to be referred to it, and

(b) the power of a police authority or chief officer to refer any matter to the Commission under sub-paragraph (2) or (3),

shall each be exercisable at any time irrespective of whether the matter is already being investigated by any person or has already been considered by the Commission.

(6) Where--

(a) a police authority or chief officer refers a matter to the Commission under this paragraph, and

(b) that authority or chief officer does not consider that to do so might prejudice a possible future investigation of that matter,

that authority or chief officer shall give a notification of the making of the reference to the person to whose conduct that matter relates.

(7) A matter that has already been referred to the Commission under this paragraph on a previous occasion--

(a) shall not be required to be referred again under this paragraph unless the Commission so directs; and

(b) shall not be referred in exercise of any power conferred by this paragraph unless the Commission consents.

Duties of Commission on references under paragraph 13

14 (1) It shall be the duty of the Commission, in the case of every recordable conduct matter referred to it by a police authority or chief officer under paragraph 13, to determine whether or not it is necessary for the matter to be investigated.

(2) Where the Commission determines under this paragraph that it is not necessary for a recordable conduct matter to be investigated, it may if it thinks fit refer the matter back to the appropriate authority to be dealt with by that authority in such manner (if any) as that authority may determine.

(3) Where--

(a) the Commission refers a matter back to the appropriate authority under this paragraph, and

(b) the Commission does not consider that to do so might prejudice a possible future investigation of that matter,

the Commission shall give a notification of the making of the reference to the person to whose conduct that matter relates.

Part 3 Investigations and subsequent proceedings

Power of the Commission to determine the form of an investigation

15 (1) This paragraph applies where--

(a) a complaint or recordable conduct matter is referred to the Commission; and

(b) the Commission determines that it is necessary for the complaint or matter to be investigated.

(2) It shall be the duty of the Commission to determine the form which the investigation should take.

(3) In making a determination under sub-paragraph (2) the Commission shall have regard to the following factors--

(a) the seriousness of the case; and

(b) the public interest.

(4) The only forms which the investigation may take in accordance with a determination made under this paragraph are--

(a) an investigation by the appropriate authority on its own behalf;

(b) an investigation by that authority under the supervision of the Commission;

(d) an investigation by the Commission.

(5) The Commission may at any time make a further determination under this paragraph to replace an earlier one.

(6) Where a determination under this paragraph replaces an earlier determination under this paragraph, or relates to a complaint or matter in relation to which the appropriate authority has already begun an investigation on its own behalf, the Commission may give--

(a) the appropriate authority, and

(b) any person previously appointed to carry out the investigation,

such directions as it considers appropriate for the purpose of giving effect to the new determination.

(7) It shall be the duty of a person to whom a direction is given under sub-paragraph (6) to comply with it.

(8) The Commission shall notify the appropriate authority of any determination that it makes under this paragraph in relation to a particular complaint or recordable conduct matter.

Investigations by the appropriate authority on its own behalf

16 (1) This paragraph applies if the appropriate authority is required by virtue of--

(a) any determination made by that authority under paragraph 6(2) (whether following the recording of a complaint or on a reference back under paragraph 5(2)) or under paragraph 8(4), or

(b) any determination made by the Commission under paragraph 15,

to make arrangements for a complaint or recordable conduct matter to be investigated by the appropriate authority on its own behalf.

(2) This paragraph also applies if--

(a) a determination falls to be made by that authority under paragraph 10(4)(b), or 11(3)(b) or 14(2) in relation to any recordable conduct matter; and

(b) the appropriate authority determine that it is necessary for the matter to be investigated by the authority on its own behalf.

(3) Subject to sub-paragraph (4), it shall be the duty of the appropriate authority to appoint--

(a) a person serving with the police (whether under the direction and control of the chief officer of police of the relevant force or of the chief officer of another force), or

(b) a member of the National Criminal Intelligence Service or the National Crime Squad,

to investigate the complaint or matter.

(4) The person appointed under this paragraph to investigate any complaint or matter--

(a) in the case of an investigation relating to any conduct of a chief officer, must not be a person under that chief officer's direction and control; and

(b) in the case of an investigation relating to any conduct of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis or of the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, must be the person nominated by the Secretary of State for appointment under this paragraph.

Investigations supervised by the Commission

17 (1) This paragraph applies where the Commission has determined that it should supervise the investigation by the appropriate authority of any complaint or recordable conduct matter.

(2) On being given notice of that determination, the appropriate authority shall, if it has not already done so, appoint--

(a) a person serving with the police (whether under the direction and control of the chief officer of police of the relevant force or of the chief officer of another force), or

(b) a member of the National Criminal Intelligence Service or the National Crime Squad,

to investigate the complaint or matter.

(3) The Commission may require that no appointment is made under sub-paragraph (2) unless it has given notice to the appropriate authority that it approves the person whom that authority proposes to appoint.

(4) Where a person has already been appointed to investigate the complaint or matter, or is selected under this sub-paragraph for appointment, and the Commission is not satisfied with that person, the Commission may require the appropriate authority, as soon as reasonably practicable after being required to do so--

(a) to select another person falling within sub-paragraph (2)(a) or (b) to investigate the complaint or matter; and

(b) to notify the Commission of the person selected.

(5) Where a selection made in pursuance of a requirement under sub-paragraph (4) has been notified to the Commission, the appropriate authority shall appoint that person to investigate the complaint or matter if, but only if, the Commission notifies the authority that it approves the appointment of that person.

(6) A person appointed under this paragraph to investigate any complaint or matter--

(a) in the case of an investigation relating to any conduct of a chief officer, must not be a person under that chief officer's direction and control; and

(7) The person appointed to investigate the complaint or matter shall comply with all such requirements in relation to the carrying out of that investigation as may, in accordance with regulations made for the purposes of this sub-paragraph by the Secretary of State, be imposed by the Commission in relation to that investigation.

Investigations managed by the Commission

18 (1) This paragraph applies where the Commission has determined that it should manage the investigation by the appropriate authority of any complaint or recordable conduct matter.

(2) Sub-paragraphs (2) to (6) of paragraph 17 shall apply as they apply in the case of an investigation which the Commission has determined is one that it should supervise.

(3) The person appointed to investigate the complaint or matter shall, in relation to that investigation, be under the direction and control of the Commission.

Investigations by the Commission itself

19 (1) This paragraph applies where the Commission has determined that it should itself carry out the investigation of a complaint or recordable conduct matter.

(2) The Commission shall designate both--

(a) a member of the Commission's staff to take charge of the investigation on behalf of the Commission, and

(b) all such other members of the Commission's staff as are required by the Commission to assist him.

(3) The person designated under sub-paragraph (2) to be the person to take charge of an investigation relating to any conduct of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis or of the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis must be the person nominated by the Secretary of State to be so designated under that sub-paragraph.

(4) A member of the Commission's staff who--

(a) is designated under sub-paragraph (2) in relation to any investigation, but

(b) does not already, by virtue of section 97(8) of the 1996 Act, have all the powers and privileges of a constable throughout England and Wales and the adjacent United Kingdom waters,

shall, for the purposes of the carrying out of the investigation and all purposes connected with it, have all those powers and privileges throughout England and Wales and those waters.

(5) A member of the Commission's staff who is not a constable shall not, as a result of sub-paragraph (4), be treated as being in police service for the purposes of--

(a) section 280 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52) (person in police service excluded from definitions of "worker" and "employee"); or

(b) section 200 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (c. 18) (certain provisions of that Act not to apply to persons in police service).

(6) The Secretary of State may by order provide that such provisions of the 1984 Act relating to investigations of offences conducted by police officers as may be specified in the order shall apply, subject to such modifications as may be so specified, to investigations of offences conducted by virtue of this paragraph by members of the Commission's staff designated under sub-paragraph (2).

(7) References in this paragraph to the powers and privileges of a constable--

(a) are references to any power or privilege conferred by or under any enactment (including one passed after the passing of this Act) on a constable; and

(b) shall have effect as if every such power were exercisable, and every such privilege existed, throughout England and Wales and the adjacent United Kingdom waters (whether or not that is the case apart from this sub-paragraph).

(8) In this paragraph "United Kingdom waters" means the sea and other waters within the seaward limits of the United Kingdom's territorial sea.

Restrictions on proceedings pending the conclusion of an investigation

20 (1) No criminal or disciplinary proceedings shall be brought in relation to any matter which is the subject of an investigation in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule until a report on that investigation has been submitted to the Commission or to the appropriate authority under paragraph 22.

(2) Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent the bringing of criminal or disciplinary proceedings in respect of any conduct at any time after the discontinuance of the investigation in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule which relates to that conduct.

(3) The restrictions imposed by this paragraph in relation to the bringing of criminal proceedings shall not apply to the bringing of criminal proceedings by the Director of Public Prosecutions in any case in which it appears to him that there are exceptional circumstances which make it undesirable to delay the bringing of such proceedings.

Power of the Commission to discontinue an investigation

21 (1) If it any time appears to the Commission (whether on an application by the appropriate authority or otherwise) that a complaint or matter that is being investigated--

(a) by the appropriate authority on its own behalf, or

(b) under the supervision or management of the Commission,

is of a description of complaint or matter specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this sub-paragraph, the Commission may by order require the discontinuance of the investigation.

(2) The Commission shall not discontinue any investigation that is being carried out in accordance with paragraph 19 except in such cases as may be authorised by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(3) Where the Commission makes an order under this paragraph or discontinues an investigation being carried out in accordance with paragraph 19, it shall give notification of the discontinuance--

(a) to the appropriate authority;

(b) to every person entitled to be kept properly informed in relation to the subject matter of the investigation under section 21; and

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