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<p><del class="ministerial">The Government implemented a major overhaul of police
complaints and discipline in February 2020. These reforms included ensuring that those
making a formal complaint against the police have a right to an independent review
either by their local Police and Crime Commissioner or by the Independent Office for
Police Conduct (IOPC) depending on the circumstances of the complaint. Forces have
the option of involving another force’s Professional Standards Department if appropriate.
The IOPC oversees the complaints system, producing statutory guidance and publishing
statistics on force performance on handling complaints to ensure consistency.</del>
The most serious misconduct allegations must be referred immediately by forces to
the IOPC for consideration and investigation at the IOPC’s discretion. The Government
has undertaken to review the effectiveness of the IOPC later this year. The Home Affairs
Committee published its own assessment of police conduct and complaints in March 2022.
The Government has said in response that it will review the impact of its 2020 reforms
in line with post legislative scrutiny guidance.</p>
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