Yorkshire police face new inquiry after ‘erosion of trust’

Police commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson has appointed Catherine Crawford, former chief executive of the Metropolitan Police Authority, to carry out an review of police integrity in West Yorkshire, focusing on how the force has dealt with complaints about officer conduct.

The inquiry comes in the wake of major question marks over how the force dealt with a recent inquiry into links with Jimmy Savile and how officers escaped disciplinary action for a supergrass scandal which led to convictions for murder and robbery being overturned.

Officers have also been convicted of criminal offences, prompting concerns of an erosion in public trust.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: “I have agreed a root and branch review of the complaints procedure and this will be led by Catherine with her considerable experience and expertise in this area of work.

“The reason behind this review forms part of my work to ensure West Yorkshire Police delivers the best possible service to the people of the county. If we get things wrong I want to make sure we acknowledge our mistakes at the earliest opportunity and learn from them as we move forward. Equally, I want officers and staff to know they have a fair and transparent framework behind them, so they can execute their demanding roles without fear of unreasonable or frivolous claims being made against them.”

The West Yorkshire force was widely criticised last week after publishing an internal report which cleared officers of any wrongdoing over their handling of Jimmy Savile, despite their attendance at regular Friday “coffee mornings” with the disgraced DJ.

In a statement issued today Mr Burns-Williamson said an opportunity existed “to reform current arrangements”. He said he had asked Home Secretary Theresa May for a wider review of how complaints against police are investigated and wants her to take “a long, hard look at the role of the Independent Police Complaints Commission”.

• More in Wednesday’s Yorkshire Post