I was amazed at an article in the Observer over the weekend. There are always loopholes but I was staggered by this one. See what you think. Here is the article
Currently police staff and officers who work under the direction and control of the Chief Constable can be investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). This includes investigating anything from a death in custody, a public complaint, to misconduct.
However, any member of a private company who is working for a force, carrying out a police function, cannot be investigated by them. This really doesn't make sense to me when both work side-by-side. It strikes me as totally bizarre that this accountability doesn't cover everyone.
I was really glad to see that the IPCC have written to the Home Office requesting the power to investigate all private staff who carry out police duties. Ultimately the statutory duty on the IPCC is to increase public confidence in the police complaints system in England and Wales, so it will be an interesting one to watch.
Commissioning is a hot topic and I personally feel this is going to be one of the most difficult areas to put in place for whoever secures the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner post. Commissioning services will have an impact on crime and public safety and it is one area that will need really strong skills to manage. Here in Kent we are busy preparing to host a Commissioning Conference in May - more details on this next week.
I received a letter from Victim Support the other day. They are very worried about future funding for victim services and highlighted their concern that services would be diluted when funding is moved across to the Police and Crime Commissioner. The Government has consulted on these changes and I hope they publish the findings.
It's another busy week for me. I had my weekly one-to-one with the Chief Constable yesterday to discuss all force matters. Then today I'm in London at the Association of Police Authorities (APA) meeting. We also have the Full Authority meeting on Wednesday and there's a lot on the agenda, particularly around the future and transition. On Friday I'm back in London attending the Police Negotiating Board where we will be having an in-depth look at the Winsor Review Part 2, detailing terms and conditions for staff and officers.
Finally I was delighted that the Gills match went ahead at the weekend, the right result - quite literally - as Gillingham stole the show 3-1. We've also got a Kent Police football team, who have made the national finals. I'm absolutely thrilled as they are doing such a good job - well done to them all. They face Northern Ireland next and I hope to be on the sidelines willing them on. Come on Kent you can do it.