The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is consulting with concerned parties as to whether a misconduct hearing, into the actions of three officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s (MPS) Enfield Crime Squad, should be held in public. The hearing relates to incidents in November 2008.
On 4 November 2008 a team of officers from Enfield Crime Squad executed a drugs search at an address on Brantwood Road, Tottenham.
During these searches it was alleged that the occupants of these properties were assaulted by police officers.
The IPCC conducted an independent investigation into the actions of the six MPS officers who took part in the operation after the MPS referred the matter on 3 April 2009. The incident came to light as part of a wider investigation being carried out by the MPS Directorate of Professional Standards.
A file of evidence was given to the Crown Prosecution Service in July 2009 who announced in December 2010 that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against any of the officers. A report was then sent to the MPS Directorate of Professional Standards who decided that three officers should face a misconduct hearing.
Powers granted under the Police Reform Act 2002 provide for the IPCC to direct a force to hold a misconduct hearing in public if it is in the public interest to do so because of the gravity of the case or other exceptional circumstances.
The consultation will seek views from the MPS, the officers involved and witnesses.
There has only been one public misconduct hearing. This was in relation to the death of Collette Lynch in Warwickshire.
Information can be found here: http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/news/Pages/default.aspx?keyword=colette+lynch
Under Regulation 30 of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2004 the IPCC may direct that all or part of the resulting police disciplinary hearing should be held in public.
The legislation states there are two aspects that must be present for a public misconduct Hearing to take place:
For media enquiries, please contact the IPCC press office: 0207 166 3082 / 0207 166 3951
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