Committee on Standards in Public Life – Inquiry into "Local policing - leadership, ethics and accountability"

The Committee on Standards in Public Life is responsible for monitoring and reporting on issues relating to the standards of conduct of all public office holders. The category of public office holder includes members of the police service, Police & Crime Commissioners and members of Police & Crime Panels. It is also within their remit to consider the accountability framework for policing in the context of ethical standards.

The reviews announced by the Home Secretary in July 2014 will focus on the systems that hold police officers to account. The Committee on Standards in Public Life will complement this work by looking at accountability in police governance from a standards point of view. In particular, it will look at what structures are in place for ensuring ethical standards in the conduct and operation of Police & Crime Panels, Police & Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables.

The Committee will then consider how effective these structures are, identify what works well and, where there are shortcomings, what they would expect to see – in any model for police accountability.

The Committee will also be seeking assurances that ethical standards in public life are, and are capable of being, upheld. Whether a new model of policing accountability and governance is introduced, or whether the existing model is modified or stays the same, it essential that the model is capable of promoting ethical behaviour, reducing ethical risks and providing effective accountability in order to command public confidence.

PCC's Response

The PCC's response to the consultation can be viewed here.  

The Committee of Standards of Public Life's inquiry into "Local policing,  leadership, ethics and accountability" can be viewed here.