During a debate on the annual reports from the Independent Police Complaints Commission, Deputy Marc Leadbeater, who supported the motion to debate the report in November, said a social media post – highlighting more complaints per capita than the rest of the British Isles – convinced him to seek answers.
He noted that the local complaint rate is four times higher than the national (British) average at a ratio of 1.05 complaints per local officer. This is comparable to Lincolnshire Police, the worst performing UK force in this regard, he added.
Deputy Prow has since argued that this is an unfair comparison to make: “I pointed out [during debate] it is misleading to compare data with Police Forces in England and Wales as their systems are very different and the level of seriousness of local complaints are generally much lower.
“Also, multiple complaints are made from the same people around related matters. We simply do not see the issues that have been apparent in the UK and well reported by the UK media. An independent ‘gap analysis’ undertaken in 2014 identified the differences in the UK approach and ours.”
Pictured: Deputy Prow said it is misleading to compare police complaint stats between Guernsey, England and Wales.
“The failure, so far, to amend the legislation which governs the role of the PCC, to give it more teeth after 10 years’ operation, despite all parties – HA, the police and the PCC themselves – recognising that reform is needed, also came out in debate,” he said.
“The insufficiency of resources was, once again, cited as the explanation. In the absence of a champion, a crisis or pressure of some other sort, this kind of issue risks languishing at the bottom of the ‘to do’ pile for years as more pressing day-to-day operational matters take priority.”
In response, Deputy Prow said: “With regard to the need to review the Law, the Committee agrees that it is required. This was made abundantly clear in the debate he refers to.
“This is an historic issue not tackled last term or indeed in previous terms – but I gave a commitment that, despite there not being any GWP resources available, a paper has been requested to come to the Committee very shortly… and that the Committee is committed to complete the review this term if it possibly can.
“I disagree with [Deputy St Pier’s] ‘absence of a champion’ assertion. This has been identified by the PCC and the Committee has responded.
“We have a truly excellent Police Force and Chief of Police; confidence in the Police Force is paramount and all parties are committed to this goal.”
The ongoing conversation about police complaints has been welcomed by Deputy Gavin St Pier, who said: “I welcome Deputy Prow taking the opportunity to highlight his own contribution to the debate. I also welcome Deputy Prow’s commitment that his Committee intend to complete the review of the PCC Law this term, if possible.
“The much delayed review is much needed. I’m delighted if initiating and holding the debate on the PCC Annual Report has helped to give the review some welcome impetus.”
Deputy Leadbeater continues to have concern with the statistics, despite Deputy Prow’s argument that the jurisdictions aren’t comparable.
“We will never get to the bottom of why we compare so terribly against the entire British Isles, including our closest neighbours, if those in charge continue to deny that the statistics even have any relevance.
“Our stats stand out against all comparable jurisdictions and there must be a reason why they are so damning in comparison. It would give me some comfort if Deputy Prow at least recognised this and undertook to establish the reasons behind the statistics, whatever they may be.”