IPCC Update on Hillsborough matters

September 19, 2012, 3:38 pm

The IPCC has now received a referral from West Yorkshire Police Authority in relation to complaints against Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison. This referral, which was received on 18 September 2012, follows complaints from members of the public about two matters: 1) allegations that the Chief Constable, while a serving officer with South Yorkshire Police, was involved in the production and supply of misleading information for the various inquiries that have been undertaken into the Hillsborough disaster; 2) the public statement made by the Chief Constable on 13 September 2012.

The IPCC is conducting a detailed assessment of the referral to determine how the allegations should be investigated.

This assessment is being conducted in parallel with our ongoing review of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report and supporting documentation. The review is being undertaken to identify from the report what conduct, by named or unnamed police officers, may require referral and to clarify our jurisdiction. To assist in this we are also examining the details of all previous inquiries, particularly the one conducted by our predecessor body, the Police Complaints Authority. This is necessary as if matters have previously been dealt with by the PCA it may prevent the IPCC from re-investigating those matters.

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We are also aware that reviews of the report are being undertaken by South Yorkshire Police and West Midlands Police to determine the officers and conduct that needs to be referred. Both forces are fully aware of our interest in this matter.

These reviews are parallel and complementary to the consideration by the Attorney General as to whether fresh inquests should be sought.

We are keenly aware of the public interest in this matter and the understandable concerns the publication of the Panel’s report has created. However we must stress that the analysis of the comprehensive documentation disclosed by the Panel will take some weeks to complete.