(Cymraeg)

One of the key values of British Transport Police is ensuring the integrity of the Force and this is maintained through openness, honesty and maintaining the highest professional standards.

The Professional Standards department (PSD) is headed by a detective chief superintendent and its main role is to investigate complaints from members of the public thoroughly, efficiently, impartially and to the highest possible standard.

Under the Police Reform Act 2002 members of the public can make a complaint regarding an individual in a police force and the force in question must respond to complaints following strict guidelines set by parliament.

PSD deals with all public complaints and assigns an investigating officer, or in less serious cases, refers the matter to the local police operational area to deal with appropriately. With certain cases PSD is required to refer the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission which may decide to investigate themselves.

Investigators must submit a report with recommendations to the head of investigations within PSD and a decision is made in light of these recommendations. In criminal cases PSD refers the case to the Crown Prosecution Service, or in Scotland, the Procurator Fiscal.

PSD is overseen by external organisations to ensure the highest standards are maintained. These are:

British Transport Police Authority Professional Standards Committee (BTPA PSC)

BTPA PSC oversees the work of PSD on behalf the British Transport Police Authority. It is provided with quarterly reports on PSD’s activities and there are quarterly meetings between the deputy chief constable, the head of professional standards and the BTP PSC, to review cases and the activity of the department.

www.btpa.police.uk

Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)

IPCC is an independent body set up in England and Wales to oversee the complaints system. PSD reports to the IPCC on its handling of complaints. There are quarterly meetings between the head of professional standards and the relevant commissioner from the IPCC where specific cases are reviewed. In more serious and complex cases the IPCC also supervises, manages and investigates complaints. 

www.ipcc.gov.uk

Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland (PCCS)

PCCS reviews the way police authorities, police forces and policing agencies handle misconduct complaints from the public in Scotland. PSD provides information to the PCCS on its activities and there are regular meetings between the head of professional standards and the PCCS to review activities. The PCCS can order re-consideration of complaints. Criminal cases are dealt with by the Procurator Fiscal.   

www.pcc-scotland.org

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC)

HMIC is charged with examining and improving the efficiency of the police service in England and Wales. As part of this remit they conduct thematic inspections on professional standards departments. PSD will act on any of the recommendations following an inspection.

Complaints

Click here for information about complaints.