This holds true in the area of Police Complaints and Misconduct Investigations.
Many Police Officers that have found themselves under investigation in recent years have been reluctant to hold their hands up on occasions and say "I'm sorry"
Policing is fast paced and complex, and from time to time we will make mistakes or misjudge a situation , there is no shame in that, it is only natural.
We will return to the 'saying sorry' theme shortly.
Behind the scenes your Federation has been working tirelessly to build what is now an excellent relationship with the Professional Standards Branch.
The motto of the Federation is 'Represent, Influence and Negotiate', and you can only do this when you have a meaningful relationship with those that you seek to influence and negotiate.
We are working with the PSB to identify new methods that reduce the number of complaints, the time officers are under investigation, and look at new ways of resolving such matters that benefit the officer and the reputation of the Force.
Returning to the theme of saying sorry, one such area that we have jointly developed is what could be described as ‘Mediation Disposals’ within the complaints arena. This is borne out a piece of recent research that showed 87% of complaints only wanted an explanation and/or an apology.
So what are ‘Mediation Disposals’?
Policing is fast paced and complex, and from time to time we will make mistakes or misjudge a situation , there is no shame in that, it is only natural.
We will return to the 'saying sorry' theme shortly.
Behind the scenes your Federation has been working tirelessly to build what is now an excellent relationship with the Professional Standards Branch.
The motto of the Federation is 'Represent, Influence and Negotiate', and you can only do this when you have a meaningful relationship with those that you seek to influence and negotiate.
We are working with the PSB to identify new methods that reduce the number of complaints, the time officers are under investigation, and look at new ways of resolving such matters that benefit the officer and the reputation of the Force.
Returning to the theme of saying sorry, one such area that we have jointly developed is what could be described as ‘Mediation Disposals’ within the complaints arena. This is borne out a piece of recent research that showed 87% of complaints only wanted an explanation and/or an apology.
So what are ‘Mediation Disposals’?
It’s based on the principles of Restorative Justice, which you will all be familiar with. It will only be suitable and considered for certain types of specifically selected complaint.
In this situation it is where officers and the public can be bought together to understand each other’s position and view. It is about identifying a meaningful and proportionate outcome to a complaint. An outcome that serves the complainant, the officer and the Force.
On occasions and where appropriate this will lead to quite simply saying ‘I’m sorry’
We have begun to use these principles with regards live complaints against officers and those that have been offered it, have accepted it with open arms.
We accept that this will not suit every officer, and indeed this will not be an appropriate outcome or solution in every case.
We accept that this will not suit every officer, and indeed this will not be an appropriate outcome or solution in every case.
Certainly it has to be approved by the complainant and of course you the officer will also have to consent to this approach.
The benefits are far reaching for the officer and also the professional reputation of the Force and can provide a simple and quick resolution to a complaint
Chief Supt Paul Rumney head of PSB says......... ''PSB recognise that policing is often stressful with officers exposed to violent situations and distressing scenes. Showing restraint in such circumstances can be challenging.
The benefits are far reaching for the officer and also the professional reputation of the Force and can provide a simple and quick resolution to a complaint
Chief Supt Paul Rumney head of PSB says......... ''PSB recognise that policing is often stressful with officers exposed to violent situations and distressing scenes. Showing restraint in such circumstances can be challenging.
Many complaints have their origins in a misunderstanding. There is often reluctance for officers to apologise or explain their actions when they have been rude or demonstrated a lack of empathy to a victim or member of public who is anxious, distressed or unable to express themselves in a balanced way.
It is really important that we recognise this and have the courage to say 'sorry' as this can often diffuse a situation before it gets out of hand.
The fact that an officer has apologised has in many recent cases brought complaints to a timely closure for the complainant and for the member of staff affected by the complaints process. The work of the Federation has been instrumental in negotiating and influencing the response from officers and the approach from the PSB who remain committed to having a realistic relationship with front line policing ''.
The Federation’s view is that there is nothing to fear from saying sorry.
Ian Hanson the Chair of the Federation says " This is a really positive and sensible move forward and one which we in GMP Federation have already seen making a real difference. For too many years Police Misconduct investigations have been stuck in an adversarial rut and this benefitted neither the officer nor the complainant in cases where they felt they had a legitimate grievance"
If you find yourself under investigation please always consider the principles of ‘Restorative Justice’, and where appropriate discuss this with your Federation Rep as a potential solution or outcome to a complaint..
