Findings from a report by a panel of young people published today reveals the impact of feeling powerless and not being heard has on their trust in the police complaints system.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) commissioned Leaders Unlocked to recruit and run an IOPC Youth Panel, to identify and recommend ways to better engage with young people and increase their confidence in the police complaints system. Leaders Unlocked established the group of 16-24 years olds to help us understand why young people have low confidence in the police complaints system, the barriers which prevent their engagement and potential solutions to increase trust and confidence.
The Youth Panel organised a series of meetings across England and Wales where they met with more than 800 young people.
The panel presented their initial findings and recommendations to staff from across the IOPC, including Director General Michael Lockwood, and a number of other stakeholders late last year. In those meetings and today’s report they have focussed on three key themes:
Powerlessness:
The panel found a significant issue with feeling powerless in the face of authority. They felt they wouldn't be taken seriously or believed by those in positions of power due to their age and lack of status. Some young people have the perception that the police have unchecked or absolute power and are not answerable to any other authority.
Dynamics of trust:
While exploring trust and confidence in the police complaints system, the Youth Panel found that many young people simply do not trust those in positions of authority, especially the police. The general mistrust of the police and other authorities has a knock-on impact on trust in the police complaints system and in the IOPC.
Marginal and minority voices:
The Youth Panel found that other factors such as ethnicity, sexual orientation and class also contribute to the ability to trust and have confidence in the complaint system. Young people from marginalised and minority groups feel they are less likely to be believed and more likely to be discriminated against.
In the report the panel also identify and recommend solutions to some of the themes that came up during their work. These recommendations primarily address concerns they raised about the visibility and accessibility of the complaints system.
The report outlines practical ways we can increase the confidence of young people. These include improving:
How we communicate and engage with young people, particular the use of social media, producing information material aimed at them and making the organisation more approachable
Increasing the number of initiatives we undertake to engage with young people, including working with trusted third parties and the police.
The diversity of our staff and the training they receive to help better engage with young people.
The Youth Panel also contributed to our Learning the Lessons magazine that focussed on Stop and Search. Three panel members wrote about their experiences and they also provided advice on how to carry out stop and searches in a way that respects young people and gains their confidence in the tactic.
In order to ensure the momentum of the work done by the panel is not lost we have, on their advice agreed to continue our work with them into a second year to help us implement their recommendations.
Michael Lockwood, Director General of the IOPC, said:
“I’ve met with the Youth Panel a number of times and have been really impressed with their commitment, drive and determination to help us make a difference. Their report provides a powerful insight into the range of factors that influence young people’s trust and confidence in not just the police complaints system, but other areas of public life.
“Our work with the Youth Panel reflects our drive to work with a range of groups to understand their experience of us and the complaints system more generally. This enables us to deliver work that makes a positive difference to complainants, the police service and the general public.”
Rose Dowling, Director of Leaders Unlocked:
"The IOPC Youth Panel did a fantastic job in their first year, engaging with 800 other young people across England and Wales to hear their views on the police complaints system. In their report, they have explored some important themes, such as powerlessness and trust, and put forward a number of practical recommendations for change. In the year ahead, a newly-expanded Youth Panel will focus on working with the IOPC to deliver these recommendations and making a real difference to levels of trust and confidence in the system."
Imran, a student from Leicester who sat on the panel last year and is a member for the second year, said:
“I am coming into my second year on the panel, and I can honestly say it has been an invaluable experience. Last year I met some of the most inspirational young people in the country and it has been an incredible journey working with them to make a positive difference. Engaging with 800 young people last year and gathering all their views was interesting and I am really looking forward to seeing our recommendations being put into practice. Our goal is for young people to have the confidence in the complaints system and receive the support they need. I really feel that my voice and opinions are valued, and that I am making a positive difference too many young people throughout England and Wales.”
Read the full report here (a Welsh language version is also available).
An act of parliament that provides the core framework of police powers to combat crime and provide codes of practice for the exercise of these powers.
Leads and manages the development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The body that represents the interests of all police constables, sergeants, and inspectors.
Deals with someone’s inability or failure to perform to a satisfactory level, but without breaching the Standards of Professional Behaviour.
Focuses on putting an issue right and preventing it from happening again by encouraging those involved to reflect on their actions and learn. It is not a disciplinary process or a disciplinary outcome.
Department within a police force that deals with complaints and conduct matters.
Refers to lower-level misconduct or performance-related issues, which are dealt with in a proportionate and constructive manner.
This means doing what is appropriate in the circumstances, taking into account the facts and the context in which the complaint has been raised, within the framework of legislation and guidance.
The average is calculated using the individual results of the forces in that most similar force group.
An investigation carried out by IOPC staff.
Carried out by the police under their own direction and control. The IOPC sets the terms of reference and receives the investigation report when it is complete. Complainants have a right of appeal following a supervised investigation (unless it is an investigation into a direction and control matter).
This act sets out how the police complaints system operates.
How a police force is run, for example policing standards or policing policy.
An investigation carried out by the police under the direction and control of the IOPC.
The organisation that is responsible for assessing how to deal with a complaint. For example – whether it can be handled locally or reaches the criteria for referral to the IOPC. The appropriate authority may be the chief officer of the police force or the PCC for the force. If a complaint investigation finds that someone has a case to answer for misconduct, the appropriate authority is responsible for arranging any misconduct proceedings. If you make a complaint, the appropriate authority for your case will contact you.
An intelligence-led agency with law enforcement powers, it is also responsible for reducing the harm that is caused to people and communities by serious organised crime.
Policing bodies include police and crime commissioners, the Common Council for the City of London, or the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime.
Investigations carried out entirely by the police. Complainants have a right of appeal following a local investigation (unless it is an investigation into a direction and control matter).
IOPC guidance to the police service and police authorities on the handling of complaints.
A complaint or recordable conduct matter that doesn’t need to be referred to the IOPC, but where the seriousness or circumstances justifies referral.
Parameters within which an investigation is conducted.
A person is adversely affected if he or she suffers any form of loss or damage, distress or inconvenience, if he or she is put in danger or is otherwise unduly put at risk of being adversely affected.
This is where a manager deals with the way someone has behaved. It can include: showing the police officer or member of staff how their behaviour fell short of expectations set out in the Standards of Professional Behaviour; identifying expectations for future conduct; or addressing any underlying causes of misconduct.
This could be the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Common Council for the City of London, or the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime.
A flexible process for dealing with complaints that can be adapted to the needs of the complainant. It may involve, for example, providing information and an explanation, an apology, or a meeting between the complainant and the officer involved.
A flexible process for dealing with complaints that can be adapted to the needs of the complainant. It may involve, for example, providing information and an explanation, an apology, or a meeting between the complainant and the officer involved.
A breach of standards of professional behaviour by police officers or staff so serious it could justify their dismissal.
A matter where no complaint has been received, but where there is an indication that a person serving with the police may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
Quarter 1 covers 1 April - 30 June
Quarter 2 covers 1 April - 30 September
Quarter 3 covers 1 April - 31 December
Quarter 4 covers the full financial year (1 April - 31 March).
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
Used to house anyone who has been detained.
Complainants have the right to appeal to the IOPC if a police force did not record their complaint or notify the correct police force if it was made originally to the wrong force.
The purpose of an investigation is to establish the facts behind a complaint, conduct matter, or DSI matter and reach conclusions. An investigator looks into matters and produces a report that sets out and analyses the evidence. There are three types of investigations: local, directed and independent.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
The type of behaviour being complained about. A single complaint case can have one or many allegations attached.
A person who makes a complaint about the conduct of someone serving with the police.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
List of officers and staff who have been dismissed from policing, or would have been if they had not retired or resigned.
The type of behaviour being complained about. A single complaint case can have one or many allegations attached.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
An independent judicial officer, the coroner enquires into deaths reported to him/her.
A breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour that would justify at least a written warning.
No further action may be taken with regard to a complaint if the complainant decides to retract their allegation(s).
A record is made of a complaint, giving it formal status as a complaint under the Police Reform Act 2002.
This is a format where information is written in plain English and short sentences.
The IOPC must be notified about specific types of complaint or incidents to be able to decide how they should be dealt with.
No further action may be taken with regard to a complaint if the complainant decides to retract their allegation(s).
Casework involves assessing appeals. Casework staff also have a role in overseeing the police complaints system to help ensure police forces handle complaints in the best possible way.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
Conduct includes acts, omissions, statements and decisions (whether actual, alleged or inferred). For example: language used and the manner or tone of communications.
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
