§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give details of the arrangements which allow officers of the Metropolitan police with misgivings about their duties, complaints about their superior officers or information about malpractice, to put their case direct to the commissoner; how many such requests have been granted and how many refused; and where an appeal lies in the event of a refusal.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMetropolitan police general orders provide that any officer may make written representation to, or request an interview with, any senior officer, including the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. Requests to see the commissioner must be made in writing and should give—in confidence if the officer so wishes —a brief statement of the reason. I understand that a request for an interview would almost always be granted, but the commissioner would normally ask another senior officer to conduct it on his behalf.
No records are kept of the number of requests made or their outcome.