WMP first became involved in investigating the Hillsborough disaster on 16 April 1989, when WMP’s Chief Constable Geoffrey Dear (CC Dear) was asked by CC Wright to examine SYP officers’ planning for the match and operational decisions on the day.
On 17 April 1989, it was announced that WMP had been further appointed by the Home Secretary to support Lord Justice Taylor in his inquiry into the disaster. Almost immediately after that, WMP was also appointed to support Dr Popper in the inquests. At this stage, no criminal or disciplinary investigation had been started.
Though the choice of WMP for these tasks was swift, the IOPC has not found any definitive explanation of why WMP was nominated, nor found any evidence to suggest that the decision was biased or inappropriate.
WMP was a large force with considerable experience of policing major football matches. It had five football grounds in its area, one of which was Villa Park, the venue for the other FA Cup Semi-Final in 1989. Further, CC Dear was a highly experienced officer who had been involved in several high-profile investigations and inquiries and was well regarded by the Home Secretary, Mr Hurd.
CC Dear and CC Wright did know each other through police circles, but when interviewed by the IOPC, CC Dear stated there was no particular friendship or professional relationship between them. They had not served in the same force at any point, and no evidence has been found to indicate they were close.
