Agenda and draft minutes

That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 & 2 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 & 2 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

1.    Members discussed the main issue raised by the complainant, which was the allegation that the Commissioner had failed in her duty by not personally investigating his case.  The Panel noted that the complainant had been advised by the Commissioner in 2014 that she would refer his case to the Force for further investigation and that the complainant had indicated that he was satisfied with the outcome.

2.    Policy Officer Mike Campbell, responding to Member questions, explained that the Commissioner did not hold responsibility for or authority to deal with complaints against Police Officers (with the exception of the Chief Constable).  Complaints against Police Officers were within the remit of Professional Standards.

3.    Members agreed that as the majority of information presented by the complainant related to the operational complaints against Police Officers, the Commissioner was correct in referring the matter to the Force for further investigation via Professional Standards.  Members also agreed that it was appropriate for the Commissioner to delegate work to her staff.

RESOLVED that the complaint not be upheld and that the complainant and the Commissioner be advised in writing.