Unreasonable Complainant Procedure Policy

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.024308

I note you seek access to the following information:

Maintaining public trust and confidence in the police is underpinned by the police service ensuring that all officers and staff conducted themselves in a professional manner, acting with honesty and integrity at all times. Ensuring that staff are upholding the high standards expected requires an effective and robust complaints recording and investigation systems.

I understand that the MPS operate a policy of excluding from or restricting access to the complaints procedures, individual members of the public that in the opinion MPS have in some misused the complaints system, or in some cases simply contained to pursue issues after the MPS considers any investigation concluded. Whilst the MPS may consider restricting access to the complaints system in a some cases maybe a necessary and proportionate step, without appropriate safeguards the system could be misused to silence individuals determined to pursue genuine issues of complaint.

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act please provide the following.

1. A copy of the written policy relating to the MPS Unreasonable Complainant Procedures.

2. If not included within the written policy at 1. details of any appeals process availability to an individual affected by the policy.

3. If not included within the written policy at 1. details of any process of independent oversight of the policy.

4. The number of individuals currently subject of any restriction or exclusion from the complaints procedure.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find attached policy pursuant to your request above.

Please note that this policy is currently under review and being rewritten.

Q2 and Q3 - There is no appeal process, and there is no independent oversight, except that provided by MOPAC and/or the IOPC with every complaint we handle.

Q4 - The number of individuals currently subject of any restriction or exclusion from the complaints procedure = 65