Police Corruption: Failures in convictions....

News

Written by Criminal Law and Justice Weekly

Saturday, 02 June 2012 00:00

More than 8,500 allegations of police corruption over three years resulted in the conviction of only 13 police officers, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has revealed, as it called for greater investigation powers.  In the three years to 2011, there were 8,542 allegations of police corruption across all forces in England and Wales. Of those, 837 cases were referred to the IPCC. The IPCC then took a direct role in 104 cases, eventually referring 47 to the CPS, as a result of which 18 officers were charged and prosecuted, 13 were found guilty and 10 were imprisoned.  Nearly two-thirds of the 837 cases related to perverting the course of justice or theft and fraud. As a result of the IPCC investigations, a further 76 officers were found guilty of gross misconduct or misconduct, but only 14 were dismissed. The IPCC said discussions are under way with Home Office officials to secure 'the additional powers necessary to enable … the most effective corruption-related investigations', among them the ability to gain access to data held by third parties and investigate contracted-out employees. In her foreword to the IPCC report, Dame Anne Owers, Chair of the IPCC, noted that 'the public is understandably doubtful about the extent to which … the police can investigate themselves' but emphasised that 'corruption is not widespread, or considered to be widespread'...... Oh really......?