Independent Scrutiny of Police Complaints Panel release quarterly report
The Independent Scrutiny of Police Complaints Panel has released their latest quarterly report. Made up of volunteers from diverse backgrounds across Avon and Somerset, the Panel play an important role in monitoring the way Avon and Somerset Police manage complaints made against them.
The latest quarterly report – December 2024 – is available to read
This quarter, the panel chose to scrutinise a random dip-sample of closed police complaint cases of discrimination. The panel identified concerns relating to the lengthy timescales taken to resolve complaints and lack of progress updates provided by the police to complainants. Questions were also asked around whether complainants were provided with effective support and signposting by the police.
The independent oversight the Panel provides holds Avon and Somerset Police to account, with the aim to increase public confidence in the complaint process. It also helps to identify potential issues with how complaints are handled and suggests improvements to maintain fairness and justice.
December’s Panel report in numbers:
- 24 discrimination complaint cases scrutinised by reviewing completed case files
- 22 were felt to have been handled in a timely way
- 18 cases assessed as providing appropriate progress updates to the complainant
- 23 assessed as reaching the correct final outcome
