Police force admits inquiry flaws

One inquiry was into the alleged misuse of vehicles

The body which represents police officers in Cumbria says it is disappointed with a review into two disciplinary cases within the force.

The internal inquiries - one which lasted three years - concerned the behaviour of a superintendent and the alleged misuse of police vehicles.

Concerns about the investigations prompted a review by an outside force.

Now the Police Federation has criticised the review, which admits mistakes were made.

An investigation into alleged misuse of vehicles collapsed in May 2003 after three years, when a tribunal panel threw out 104 charges against nine officers.

A separate 18 month investigation cleared a superintendent of dishonesty offences, but issued a caution after confidential information was left on a meeting board.

Both investigations cost the force more than £200,000.

'Decision making'

Cumbria chief constable Michael Baxter has revealed 35 findings and recommendations listed by Dyfed-Powys assistant chief constable Barry Taylor, who carried out the review on his request.

But the Cumbria Police Federation has called for the full review to be made public.

Mr Baxter, who was not in charge of the force when the two investigations were launched, said: "What it (the review) says is there are lessons to be learned in the decision making and assessment in these matters.

"Also in managing cases through the investigation stage, into potential misconduct proceedings.

"There are a range of other issues around levels of competence and skill, which all of us can improve."

Among other things, the review, which itself cost £70,000, highlights a failure of proper note taking during "vital conversations" with witnesses and those under suspicion.

Full findings

The Police Federation says it now intends to bill the Cumbria force for the £300,000 it says it spent on defending officers.

Police Federation chairwoman Jane Goujon said: "We would have liked to see a little bit more honest acknowledgment of mistakes that had been made.

"We welcome the fact that a review has taken place, but all we have got is a list of recommendations. It would have been very useful to share the full findings with the Police Federation.

"I have met with officers who have been affected by this and basically it has hit a lot of them and their families.

"A lot have been off sick with stress and anxiety and the human costs are immeasurable really."

Mr Baxter says he does not intent to publish the full review because of legal and operational constraints.