Hampshire Police Authority
Item: 8
Complaints and Professional Standards
8 August 2008
Raising the Standard - HMIC
Report of the Chief Constable
Contact:
DCI Gerry Wheeler
0845 045 45 45 ext 3113
Email: gerry.wheeler@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
1.
Summary
1.1
This report provides the Complaints and Professional Standards
Committee with information about the published Her Majesty’s
Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) report “Raising the Standard” and
sets out Hampshire Constabulary’s Professional Standards
Department’s (PSD) response to matters raised, as well as an update
on current developments in the department.
1.2
This report provides details of:
1.3

Update on PSD training

Update on Drug and Alcohol Misuse Policy

Development of ‘Reputation Matters’

Recent HMIC self assessment process.
Constabulary Actions

Internal and external training in PSD matters continues.

The Drug and Alcohol Misuse Procedure was implemented in
October 2007 and continues with regular testing.

‘Reputation Matters’ has been published within the force and is
being disseminated.

Action being taken to service the HMIC self assessment process.
2.
Recommendations
2.1
The Committee notes this report.
3.
Update on PSD training
3.1
Bespoke training to PSD staff in relation to the Police Conduct
Regulations 2008 is being developed currently for delivery on 5th
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September 2008, before the anticipated implementation date of 1st
November 2008.
3.2
All PSD CID investigators have been assessed and verified as
Professionalising the investigation Process (PiP) level 2 investigators.
This ensures PSD staff remain within the skills requirements of
mainstream investigators and are not disadvantaged. DCI Wheeler is
the trained PSD PiP assessor.
3.3
DCI PSD and an investigating officer attended a national Deaths in
Custody course delivered by Servoca Training. DCI PSD also attended
a national Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act
course. Learning from both will be disseminated to PSD and Force
Custody.
3.4
A regular training programme delivered by PSD Staff to police
employees continues. This has already taken cognisance of the Police
Conduct Regulations 2008. In this quarter period the following was
undertaken:

New Police Staff – Three courses

New Constables – One course

New Sergeants/Supervisors – One Courses

New Inspectors – Two Courses

Trainee Detectives – One Course

New PCSO’s – One Course

Force Training Dept – One Course

Force Custody Training – One Course
4.
Update on Drug and Alcohol Misuse Policy
4.1
In accordance with Home Office Guidance and a change to Police
Regulations, Hampshire Constabulary now conducts random drug and
alcohol screening tests for officers in identified safety critical and
vulnerable roles. Screening sessions have take place since October
2007 that have resulted in 121 officers being tested.
4.2
One officer produced an initially considered positive result which
investigation subsequently revealed to have an innocent explanation
(Medication). This incident has maintained constabulary confidence in
the fairness and integrity of the process.
4.3
Since the commencement of the policy four officers have self referred
to the Occupational Health and Welfare Unit for assistance.
.
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5.
5.1
Development of ‘Reputation Matters’
The current edition has been published and is being disseminated. This
includes copies to the police authority and posting on PSD intranet site.
As reported earlier the publication suffered several set-backs at the
design and print stage. As a matter of priority a future edition is being
planned to coincide with the introduction on the new police conduct and
performance regulations due in November 2008.
6.
Provision of Self assessment Template
6.1
HMIC wrote to Chief Constables and Chairs of Police Authorities in
January 2008. This highlighted the current HMIC inspection
programme and introduced a “self assessment template” for use by
forces now.
6.2
This provides a positive opportunity to assist us in carrying out a
“health check” on direction, systems, and procedures now; and to
review progress against “Raising the Standard”.
6.3
HMIC are unlikely to inspect this force until spring 2009.
6.4
Head of PSD has allocated tasks within the template to key staff and
will manage progress and reporting through monthly senior
management meetings. It is anticipated work will be completed by
October 2008.
6.5
Quarterly updates will be given to the Committee on progress. For this
period please refer to the attached template.
Section 100D (Local Government Act 1972) background papers
The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an
important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in
the preparation of this report.
NB the list excludes:
1. published works; and,
2. Documents that disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in
the Act.
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