The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has today issued revised guidelines to improve the handling of discrimination complaints, as well as a set of key principles to help police forces improve the accessibility of the complaints system
The publication of the IPCC’s revised Guidelines for handling allegations of discrimination follows a number of critical reports by the IPCC, which found significant failings in the way that four forces carried out such investigations and engaged with complainants.
The guidelines will assist police to properly and effectively handle allegations of discrimination, including discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, or disability. A series of training workshops for police professional standards departments are being held by the IPCC across the country to support the roll-out of the guidelines.
The IPCC reviewed information on force websites and other sources of information to see how well forces made this information available to the public, and how they support complainants with specific needs.
The review found a lack of consistent good practice. Some of the information online and in police stations was inaccurate, difficult to understand or inaccessible, and there was little use of social media. Some forces did not accept complaints from people in police custody.
You can read the full press release and view the guidance on the IPCC website
Liz Sayce, Chief Executive of Disability Rights UK, said:
‘We were very glad to be involved in developing these important guidelines. Disabled people have historically found it difficult to complain: their credibility may be doubted or they may face practical or communications barriers in the complaints process. We want all disabled people to know that if they do experience discrimination they can complain and will be taken seriously. These guidelines should help’