Policing minister Chris Philp emphasized the importance of removing officers unfit to serve as soon as possible, with changes set to take effect on May 7.
Police chiefs will now have the authority to oversee hearings that determine the removal of officers found guilty of misconduct, according to a government announcement.
Reforms presented to Parliament by the Home Office on Tuesday will grant police leaders increased accountability and streamline the process of dismissing rogue officers. These changes are scheduled to be implemented on May 7.
Chris Philp, the Policing minister, stated that it is crucial to eliminate officers unsuitable for duty promptly and that the new measures will empower chief constables to take greater control in this regard.
He added, “The public deserves to have confidence that the officers protecting their communities are committed to ensuring their safety.”
“We have already taken steps to enhance the police dismissals process, including conducting the largest integrity screening of the workforce and strengthening vetting procedures to root out corrupt officers,” Philp continued.
These changes will reinstate the responsibilities that chief constables held nearly a decade ago.
Continuous Vetting Process
The Home Office outlined that under the new regulations, police and crime commissioners (PCCs) will have an increased role in overseeing dismissal panels and holding decision-makers accountable.
Previously chaired by lawyers, these panels will now include legal advisors providing independent legal advice in a more supportive capacity, while maintaining transparency and fairness by conducting hearings publicly. Decisions will be made by a majority ruling of the panel.
In February, the government introduced changes to the police disciplinary system, requiring officers charged with an indictable offense to be automatically suspended until a resolution is reached. Furthermore, it will be simpler to dismiss officers found guilty of gross misconduct or failing to meet basic vetting standards.
The Home Office is also working on implementing an automated screening system for continuous vetting of police officers throughout their careers. This initiative is part of the government’s response to the Angiolini inquiry, which revealed Couzens’ history of offenses dating back two decades before the murder of Ms. Everard.
Couzens’s ‘Dangerous Belief in His Invincibility’
In January 2023, Carrick pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offenses committed over 18 years while serving in the Met Police. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for a minimum of 30 years the following month.
Following Carrick’s guilty pleas, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged the police to address the shortcomings in the case and restore public confidence.
“There will be no tolerance for those who abuse their position to intimidate women and girls or fail to take action against individuals unfit for their roles,” the prime minister declared.
In March last year, a judge sentencing Couzens for indecent exposure remarked on his dangerous belief in his invincibility and power to abuse women without consequences, highlighting the need for accountability to prevent such tragedies.
One of the victims of Couzens expressed regret that action was not taken earlier, potentially preventing the tragic murder of Ms. Everard.
Mrs. Justice Juliet May sentenced Couzens to additional prison time, underscoring the severity of his actions. Couzens is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the murder of Ms. Everard.
PA Media contributed to this report.
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