IOPC statement following Craig Guildford’s WMP retirement

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said it will continue looking into the actions of West Midlands Police, and the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Birmingham, following Craig Guildford’s retirement as Chief Constable.

IOPC Director General Rachel Watson, said: “Our interest in the actions of former Chief Constable Guildford, and other officers involved, does not end following his decision to step down.

“Over the last few days, we have been examining a wealth of evidence, and we have met with HMICFRS to request additional material.

“We will continue examining all available evidence to inform our assessment of whether we should undertake any independent conduct investigations. If that is the case, we’ve said we are prepared to use our powers of initiative to independently investigate in the absence of formal referrals.

“We are also liaising with the Home Affairs Committee (HAC) regarding evidence given by ex-CC Guildford and other officers during evidence sessions in December and January and await its findings regarding the evidence given to the Committee. If there is any indication of misconduct we will act.”