HC Deb 23 November 2001 vol 375 cc548-9W
Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the pilot schemes for the new complaints system are expected to report their progress; and whether the four schemes are identical. [17125]

Mr. Denham

[holding answer 22 November 2001]: The Police Complaints Authority is co-ordinating four research projects that will provide useful information on aspects of the new police complaints system. They will look at independent investigations, the right of appeal against a refusal by the police to record a complaint, the duty of the chief officer to provide the complainant with the outcome of an investigation and the presentation of cases to misconduct hearings by the Independent Police Complaints Commission. These are not formal pilots as they must operate within the current legislation and therefore are not able completely to replicate the provision proposed for the new system. The evaluation reports of each will be produced at different times but initial feedback is expected next spring.

Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what role civilian investigators will have in the proposed independent police complaints system. [16879]

Mr. Denham

[holding answer 22 November 2001]: As part of the new police complaints system, the Independent Police Complaints Commission will have a body of independent investigators at their disposal. These investigators will be made up of a mix of civilian investigators and seconded police officers. The commission will use these investigators in examining the most serious instances of alleged police misconduct.

Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in the creation of a independent police complaints system. [16878]

Mr. Denham

[holding answer 22 November 2001]: The Government will bring forward provisions to establish a new police complaints system to replace the current system as part of the Police Bill which is due for introduction later in this parliamentary Session. The new system will create a new body, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which will replace the Police Complaints Authority.