Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30)

Part 2 U.K. Complaints and Misconduct

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. 2 power to apply amend or modify conferred (31.10.2011) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 7 para. 7(1); S.I. 2011/2515, art. 2(d)

C2 Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (22.11.2012) by The Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1204), regs. 1(1), 35(1) (with reg. 35(2))

C3 Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (22.11.2012) by The Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1204), regs. 1(1), 27

C4 Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (9.8.2013) by The Police (Complaints and Misconduct)(Old Cases) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1778), regs. 1(1), 2

C5 Pt. 2 modified (8.4.2015) by The Independent Police Complaints Commission (Complaints and Misconduct) (Contractors) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/431), regs. 1, 4, Sch.

C6 Pt. 2: power to amend conferred (E.W.) (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 17.7.2017 in so far as not already in force) by 2009 c. 20, s. 107EE(4) (as inserted by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 8(2), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/726, reg. 2(a))

C7 Pt. 2: power to amend conferred (E.W.) (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by 2004 c. 21, s. 4K(2)(4) (as inserted by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 1 para. 5; S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 38)

C8 Pt. 2 modified (15.12.2017) by S.I. 2012/1204, Sch. Pt. 1 (as inserted by The Police (Conduct, Complaints and Misconduct and Appeal Tribunal) (Amendment) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1134), reg. 1(1), Sch. 2 (with reg. 2))

C9 Pt. 2 applied (with application in accordance with reg. 1(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/2), regs. 1(1), 43(3)

C10 Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (with application in accordance with reg. 1(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/2), regs. 1(1), 52

C11 Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (with application in accordance with reg. 1(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/2), regs. 1(1), 42(1), Sch. 2

C12 Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (with application in accordance with reg. 1(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/2), regs. 1(1), 43(1)(2)

C13 Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (with application in accordance with reg. 1(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/2), regs. 1(1), 42(2)

C14 Pt. 2: power to amend conferred (E.W.) (26.12.2023) by Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 (c. 55), ss. 38, 255(2)(c) (with s. 247)

C15 Pt. 2 (ss. 9-29) applied (with modifications) (1.4.2004) by The Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/643), regs. 21, 29, 30

C16 Pt. 2 (ss. 9-29) applied (1.4.2004) by The Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/643), reg. 28

C17 Pt. 2 (ss. 9-29) excluded (1.4.2004) by The Independent Police Complaints Commission (Transitional Provisions) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/671), arts. 2(2), 3

C18 Pt. 2 (ss. 9-29) excluded (E.W.) (28.12.2005) by The Revenue and Customs (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3311), regs. 3(7), 8, 9

C19 Pt. 2 (ss. 9-29): power to apply conferred (7.4.2005 at 5.45 p.m.) by Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 (c. 11), ss. 28(2)(a), 53; S.I. 2005/1126, art. 2

[F1 The Independent Office for Police Conduct] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 9 cross-heading substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 16; S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

10 General functions of the [F2 Director General] U.K.

(1) The functions of the [F2 Director General] shall be—

(a) to secure the maintenance by the [F2 Director General] F3 ..., and by [F4 local policing bodies] and chief officers, of suitable arrangements with respect to the matters mentioned in subsection (2);

(b) to keep under review all arrangements maintained with respect to those matters;

(c) to secure that arrangements maintained with respect to those matters comply with the requirements of the following provisions of this Part, are efficient and effective and contain and manifest an appropriate degree of independence;

(d) to secure that public confidence is established and maintained in the existence of suitable arrangements with respect to those matters and with the operation of the arrangements that are in fact maintained with respect to those matters;

(e) to make such recommendations, and to give such advice, for the modification of the arrangements maintained with respect to those matters, and also of police practice in relation to other matters, as appear, from the carrying out by the [F2 Director General] of [F5 the Director General's] other functions, to be necessary or desirable; F6 . . .

(f) to such extent as [F7 the Director General] may be required to do so by regulations made by the Secretary of State, to carry out functions in relation to F8 . . . bodies of constables maintained otherwise than by [F9 local policing bodies] which broadly correspond to those conferred on the [F2 Director General] in relation to police forces by the preceding paragraphs of this subsection[F10 ; F11 . . .

(g) to carry out functions in relation to the [F12 National Crime Agency] which correspond to those conferred on the [F2 Director General] in relation to police forces by paragraph (e) of this subsection][F13 ; and

[F14 (ga) to carry out such corresponding functions in relation to officers of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority in their capacity as labour abuse prevention officers (see section 114B of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE powers for labour abuse prevention officers))][F15 ; and

(gb) to carry out such corresponding functions in relation to officers of the Food Standards Agency acting in the exercise of functions conferred on them by virtue of—

(i) section 114C of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE powers for food crime officers), or

(ii) section 39A of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (powers for food crime officers: inferences from silence).]

F16 (h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

(2) Those matters are—

(a) the handling of complaints [F17 (within the meaning given by section 12)] [F18 or other concerns raised by virtue of Part 2B (whistle-blowing)];

(b) the recording of matters from which it appears that there may have been conduct by [F19 persons serving with the police] which constitutes or involves the commission of a criminal offence or behaviour justifying disciplinary proceedings;

[F20 (ba) the recording of matters from which it appears that a person has died or suffered serious injury during, or following, contact with a person serving with the police;]

(c) the manner in which any such complaints [F21 or other concerns] or any such matters as are mentioned in paragraph (b) [F22 or (ba)] are investigated or otherwise handled and dealt with.

(3) The [F2 Director General] shall also have the functions which are conferred on [F23 the Director General] by—

(a) F24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) any agreement or order under section 26 of this Act (other bodies of constables);

[F25 (bc) any regulations under section 26C of this Act (the National Crime Agency);]

[F26 (bd) any regulations under section 26D of this Act (labour abuse prevention officers);]

[F27 (be) any regulations under section 26E of this Act (food crime officers);]

(c) any regulations under section 39 of this Act (police powers for contracted-out staff); or

(d) any regulations or arrangements relating to disciplinary or similar proceedings against persons serving with the police, or against members of F28 . . . any body of constables maintained otherwise than by a [F29 local policing body].

[F30 (3A) The [F2 Director General] also has any functions conferred on [F31 the Director General] by regulations under section 29C of this Act (regulations about super-complaints).]

[F32 (3B) The [F2 Director General] also has the functions which are conferred on [F33 the Director General] by Part 2B (whistle-blowing).]

(4) It shall be the duty of the [F2 Director General]—

(a) to exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred on [F34 the Director General] by the following provisions of this Part in the manner that [F34 the Director General] considers best calculated for the purpose of securing the proper carrying out of [F35 the Director General's] functions under subsections (1) and (3); and

(b) to secure that arrangements exist which are conducive to, and facilitate, the reporting of misconduct by persons in relation to whose conduct the [F2 Director General] has functions.

(5) It shall also be the duty of the [F2 Director General]—

(a) to enter into arrangements with the chief inspector of constabulary for the purpose of securing co-operation, in the carrying out of their respective functions, between the [F2 Director General] and the inspectors of constabulary; and

(b) to provide those inspectors with all such assistance and co-operation as may be required by those arrangements, or as otherwise appears to the [F2 Director General] to be appropriate, for facilitating the carrying out by those inspectors of their functions.

[F36 (5A) In carrying out functions the Director General must have regard to any advice provided to the Director General by the Office (see section 10A(1)(c)).]

(6) Subject to the other provisions of this Part, the [F2 Director General] may do anything which appears to [F37 the Director General] to be calculated to facilitate, or is incidental or conducive to, the carrying out of [F38 the Director General's] functions.

(7) The [F39 Office] may, in connection with the making of any recommendation or the giving of any advice to any person for the purpose of carrying out—

(a) [F40 the Director General's] function under subsection (1)(e), F41 . . .

(b) any corresponding function conferred on [F42 the Director General] by virtue of subsection (1)(f), [F43 or

(c) [F40 the Director General's] function under subsection (1)(g) [F44 or (h)],]

impose any such charge on that person for anything done by the [F2 Director General] for the purposes of, or in connection with, the carrying out of that function as [F42 the Director General] thinks fit.

F45 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F46 (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in s. 10 substituted in part (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 34(2), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F3 Word in s. 10(1)(a) omitted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 17(2); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F4 Words in s. 10(1)(a) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 278(2); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F5 Words in s. 10(1)(e) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 17(3); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F6 Word in s. 10(1)(e) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 55, 174, 178, Sch. 2 para. 3(2)(a), Sch. 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 8, 12, 13(oo) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F7 Words in s. 10(1)(f) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 17(4); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F8 Words in s. 10(1)(f) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 55, 174, 178, Sch. 2 para. 3(2)(b), Sch. 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 8, 12, 13(oo) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F9 Words in s. 10(1)(f) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 278(2); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F10 S. 10(1)(g) and preceding word inserted (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 55, 178, Sch. 2 para. 3(2)(c); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 8 (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F11 Word in s. 10(1) repealed (1.4.2007) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), ss. 52, 53, Sch. 15 Pt. 1(A); S.I. 2007/709, art. 3(q) (subject to arts. 6, 7)

F12 Words in s. 10(1)(g) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 6 para. 9(2)(a); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(q)

F13 S. 10(1)(h) and preceding word inserted (1.4.2007) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), ss. 1, 53, Sch. 1 para. 82(2); S.I. 2007/709, art. 3(a) (subject to arts. 6, 7)

F14 S. 10(1)(ga) inserted (12.7.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 3 para. 11(a); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(u)

F15 S. 10(1)(gb) and word inserted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 54(4)(a)(i), 208(5)(f) (with s. 54(5)-(10))

F16 S. 10(1)(h) omitted (7.10.2013) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 6 para. 9(2)(b); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(q)

F17 Words in s. 10(2)(a) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 1.2.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e), Sch. 4 para. 2(a); S.I. 2020/5, reg. 2(m) (with art. 3(1)(2)(4))

F18 Words in s. 10(2)(a) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 34(3)(a), 183(1)(5)(e)

F19 Words in s. 10(2)(b) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 1.2.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e), Sch. 4 para. 2(b); S.I. 2020/5, reg. 2(m) (with art. 3(1)(2)(4))

F20 S. 10(2)(ba) inserted (1.7.2005) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 160, 178, Sch. 12 para. 2(2); S.I. 2005/1521, art. 3(1)(w)

F21 Words in s. 10(2)(c) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 34(3)(b), 183(1)(5)(e)

F22 Words in s. 10(2)(c) inserted (1.7.2005) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 160, 178, Sch. 12 para. 2(3); S.I. 2005/1521, art. 3(1)(w)

F23 Words in s. 10(3) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 17(5); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F24 S. 10(3)(a) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 55, 174, 178, Sch. 2 para. 3(3)(a), Sch. 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 8, 12, 13(oo) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F25 S. 10(3)(bc) substituted for s. 10(3)(ba)(bb) (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 6 para. 9(3); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(q)

F26 S. 10(3)(bd) inserted (12.7.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 3 para. 11(b); S.I. 2016/603, reg. 3(u)

F27 S. 10(3)(be) inserted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 54(4)(a)(ii), 208(5)(f) (with s. 54(5)-(10))

F28 Words in s. 10(3)(d) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 55, 174, 178, Sch. 2 para. 3(3)(c), Sch. 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 8, 12, 13(oo) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F29 Words in s. 10(3)(d) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 278(3); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F30 S. 10(3A) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 16.4.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 27(2), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2018/456, reg. 3(c)

F31 Words in s. 10(3A) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 17(6); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F32 S. 10(3B) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 28(3), 183(1)(5)(e)

F33 Words in s. 10(3B) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 17(7); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F34 Words in s. 10(4)(a) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 17(8)(a); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F35 Words in s. 10(4)(a) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 17(8)(b); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F36 S. 10(5A) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 34(4), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F37 Words in s. 10(6) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 17(9)(a); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F38 Words in s. 10(6) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 17(9)(b); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F39 Word in s. 10(7) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 34(5), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F40 Words in s. 10(7) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 17(10)(b); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F41 Word in s. 10(7)(a) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 55, 174, 178, Sch. 2 para. 3(4), Sch. 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 8, 12, 13(oo) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F42 Words in s. 10(7) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 17(10)(a); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)

F43 S. 10(7)(c) and preceding word inserted (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 55, 178, Sch. 2 para. 3(4); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 8 (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F44 Words in s. 10(7)(c) inserted (1.4.2007) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), ss. 1, 53, Sch. 1 para. 82(4); S.I. 2007/709, art. 3(a) (subject to arts. 6, 7)

F45 S. 10(8) omitted (22.11.2012) by virtue of Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 14 para. 6(a); S.I. 2012/2892, art. 2(g) (with art. 6)

F46 S. 10(9) omitted (7.10.2013) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 6 para. 9(4); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(q)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 S. 10 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (28.12.2005) by The Revenue and Customs (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3311), reg. 3(2)(6), Sch. 1

C21 S. 10(7) applied (with modifications) (16.1.2012) by The Elected Local Policing Bodies (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/62), regs. 1, 3(5) (with reg. 3(6))