A dedicated investigation team at the IOPC has examined more than 600 pieces of evidence, including operational documents, reports, intelligence research, minutes of meetings, and a large volume of correspondence including emails and messages.<\/p>\n
The IOPC’s director of engagement, Derrick Campbell, said: “Our investigation to date has been to assess whether there is an indication anyone may have breached one or more of the standards of police professional behaviour.<\/p>\n
“We have examined a wealth of material, hundreds of pieces of evidence, and believe there is an indication some people serving with the police may potentially have behaved in a manner that could justify disciplinary proceedings.<\/p>\n
“They have been informed their conduct will be investigated. At the end of our investigation, we will decide if anyone has a case to answer and should face a misconduct meeting or hearing.”<\/p>\n
Campbell added that the serving of notices did not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings would follow, saying all decisions would be kept under review as the investigation progressed.<\/p>\n
West Midlands Police’s temporary deputy chief constable, Jen Mattinson, said that she undertook a voluntary referral to the IOPC on her first full day in the role regarding conduct matters by senior officers and staff.<\/p>\n
“This referral was made prior to the IOPC announcement to use their ‘power of initiative’ to independently investigate if any officer or staff member may have a case to answer for misconduct,” Mattinson said.<\/p>\n