Police Reform Act 2002

Reference of conduct matters to the Commission

13 (1) It shall be the duty of a police authority or a chief officer to refer a recordable conduct matter to the Commission if, in a case (whether or not falling within paragraph 10) in which the authority or chief officer is the appropriate authority—

(a) that matter relates to any incident or circumstances in or in consequence of which any person has died or suffered serious injury;

(b) that matter is of a description specified for the purposes of this sub-paragraph in regulations made by the Secretary of State; or

(c) the Commission notifies the appropriate authority that it requires that matter to be referred to the Commission for its consideration.

(2) In any case where there is no obligation under sub-paragraph (1) to make a reference, the appropriate authority may refer a recordable conduct matter to the Commission if that authority considers that it would be appropriate to do so by reason of—

(a) the gravity of the matter; or

(b) any exceptional circumstances.

(3) In a case in which a reference under sub-paragraph (1) or (2) is neither made nor required to be made, a police authority maintaining any police force may refer any recordable conduct matter to the Commission if—

(a) it is one in relation to which the chief officer of police of that force is the appropriate authority; and

(b) the police authority considers that it would be appropriate to do so by reason of—

(i) the gravity of the matter; or

(ii) any exceptional circumstances.

(4) Where there is an obligation under this paragraph to refer any matter to the Commission, it must be so referred within such period as may be provided for by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(5) Subject to sub-paragraph (7), the following powers—

(a) the power of the Commission by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(c) to require a matter to be referred to it, and

(b) the power of a police authority or chief officer to refer any matter to the Commission under sub-paragraph (2) or (3),

shall each be exercisable at any time irrespective of whether the matter is already being investigated by any person or has already been considered by the Commission.

(6) Where—

(a) a police authority or chief officer refers a matter to the Commission under this paragraph, and

(b) that authority or chief officer does not consider that to do so might prejudice a possible future investigation of that matter,

that authority or chief officer shall give a notification of the making of the reference to the person to whose conduct that matter relates.

(7) A matter that has already been referred to the Commission under this paragraph on a previous occasion—

(a) shall not be required to be referred again under this paragraph unless the Commission so directs; and

(b) shall not be referred in exercise of any power conferred by this paragraph unless the Commission consents.