The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to use its own investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the loss of two HM Revenue and Customs (HRMC) computer discs containing sensitive personal records.

HMRC referred the matter to the IPCC on 16 November which has decided to carry out an independent investigation. The IPCC’s investigation will be led by Senior Investigator, Joe Penrose.

Gary Garland, IPCC Commissioner with responsibility for HMRC, said:

“The focus of our investigation will be to identify the causes of this extremely serious failure and consider whether relevant local and national policies and guidelines were complied with. Where appropriate we will identify where lessons can be learned and will make recommendations if further action is required.

“The IPCC’s investigation is entirely separate from that being carried out by the Metropolitan Police Service, however, we shall be keeping in close touch with any developments that may affect our investigation.”

The IPCC has had powers to handle investigations into serious incidents and deaths in the custody of, or following contact, with HM Revenue and Customs staff since 1 April 2006.

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Notes for editors:

The IPCC has overall responsibility for the police complaints system. Since April 2006 it has taken on responsibility for similar, serious complaints against HM Revenue and Customs and the Serious Organised Crime Agency in England and Wales.

The IPCC has the task of increasing public confidence in the complaint systems and aims to make investigations more open, timely, proportionate and fair.

The 16 Commissioners who run the IPCC guarantee its independence and by law can never have served as police officers. No Commissioner has worked for HM Revenue and Customs. They are supported by more than more than 200 independent IPCC investigators, casework managers and other specialists.

Since April 1 2004 the IPCC has used its powers to begin 171 independent and 533 managed investigations into the most serious complaints against the police. It has set new standards for police forces to improve the way the public's complaints are handled. The Commission also handles appeals by the public about the way their complaint was dealt with by the local force.

The IPCC is committed to getting closer to the communities it serves. Its Commissioners and staff are based in IPCC regional offices in Cardiff, Coalville, London and Sale plus a sub office in Wakefield.

The IPCC web site is constantly updated at www.ipcc.gov.uk or members of the public can contact the IPCC on 08453 002 002.

For further information please contact:

Rachael Collins, IPCC Press & PR Manager, on 020 7166 3142 or the out-of-hours duty press officer on 07717 851157.