Independent Office for Police Conduct takes over as police service watchdog

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has replaced the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) as the police service watchdog.

Michael Lockwood, former chief executive of the London Borough of Harrow, is the IOPC’s first director general.

Non-executive directors include Manjeet Gill, interim chief executive at Wokingham Borough Council and former chief executive of West Lindsey District Council.

A Home Office statement said the change would give more rapid decision-making and greater accountability.

The Policing and Crime Act 2017 increases the IOPC’s powers over those of its predecessor, allowing it to initiate investigations without relying on referrals from the police, reopen cases where there is new evidence and investigate disciplinary investigations against chief officers.

IOPC will also present cases against officers in police disciplinary cases when the force concerned disagrees with the its findings.

Lockwood said: “Public confidence in policing is best served by robust and independent oversight. People need to know that when things go wrong, or serious allegations are made about police officers, they will be thoroughly investigated by a truly independent body.”

Mark Smulian