IPCC briefing note in relation to Warwickshire police misconduct hearing in public

The first ever police misconduct hearing in public is due to start on Monday 5 November 2007.

Below is a briefing note which sets out an overview of the IPCC and a timeline of events relating to the death of Ms Colette Lynch and the subsequent IPCC independent investigation into the actions of Warwickshire Police in the days leading up to Colette's death.

Overview of the IPCC

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) was created by the Police Reform Act 2002 and began work on 1 April 2004. The role of the IPCC is to make sure that complaints against the police are dealt with effectively.   It sets standards for the way the police handle complaints and, when something has gone wrong, helps the police learn lessons and improve the way they work.  The IPCC is entirely independent of the police, interest groups or political parties. It is a national organisation, with four regional offices.  

The IPCC can:

• Manage or supervise a police investigation into a case and investigate independently the most serious cases – using its own investigators, independent of the police.
• Direct a police force to hold a misconduct hearing in public following an IPCC independent investigation
• Investigate complaints against all police officers, including Chief Constable, and all police staff
• Send its own investigators from a 24 hour call-out rota to assess the most serious incidents, which must by law be referred to the IPCC by the police within specified deadlines
• Analyse information from cases and carry out research into complaint trends and patterns, and make recommendations on the policy and operational lessons arising from its work
• Gather feedback and information from communities about the police complaints system
• Work with voluntary and community organisations at regional and local level to promote greater access to the complaints system

Following the fatal stabbing of Colette Lynch, a 24-year-old woman, in Rugby on 3 February 2005 by her estranged partner Percy Wright, the IPCC undertook an independent investigation into Warwickshire Police concerning the circumstances leading up to her death.

Powers granted under the Police Reform Act 2002 provide for the IPCC to direct a force to hold a misconduct hearing in public because of the gravity of the matter. The IPCC used these powers for the first time in the Colette Lynch case. This hearing will commence on Monday 5 November 2007.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS:

1 February 2005: Colette Lynch reported violent incident against her by Percy Wright to Warwickshire Police

3 February 2005: Colette Lynch stabbed to death by Percy Wright

11 February 2005: IPCC confirmed it would undertake an independent investigation into the actions of Warwickshire Police officers leading up to the fatal stabbing of Colette Lynch

26 August 2005: Percy Wright convicted of manslaughter for the death of Colette Lynch on the ground of diminished responsibility and made subject to a hospital order under the Mental Health Act, to be detained at a secure psychiatric unit until he is no longer deemed a danger to the public

31 August 2005: IPCC confirmed investigation would recommence following conclusion of criminal trial

2 August 2006: IPCC publish findings, including executive summary of investigation

27 February 2007: IPCC announces that it has for the first time used the powers granted under the Police Reform Act 2002 to direct a force to hold a misconduct hearing in public in relation to the Colette Lynch investigation

4 October 2007: IPCC confirms first ever police misconduct hearing in public will commence 5 November 2007

5 November 2007: Misconduct hearing commences

For further information on any of the matters detailed in this document please contact:

Mrs Ash Bower, IPCC Regional Communications Officer on 01530 258774 or mobile 07717 851320.  Outside office hours please call 07717 851157.