Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary

Watchdog has neither bark nor bite

The perennial shortcomings of the so-called ‘police watchdog’, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), are very well rehearsed in the local regional and national media and, of course, elsewhere on this website, writes Neil Wilby. Not least in an excoriating piece published just two days ago, and headlined ‘All for nothing’, the full textContinue reading “Watchdog has neither bark nor bite”

Police watchdog claims that disclosing dates of inspections will inhibit its ability to function

On 12th September, 2021, an information access request was made to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Police, Fire and Rescue Services. It was headlined ‘Planned HMICFRS inspections at Greater Manchester Police’. The text of the request was plainly expressed: Please disclose, by way of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the following: (i) the dates andContinue reading “Police watchdog claims that disclosing dates of inspections will inhibit its ability to function”

Will controversial report face further delays?

A meeting at which the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police was due to release a much-delayed and highly controversial report into the running of his force has been cancelled. Greater Manchester Combined Authority say it is because of the death of Bolton Council Leader, David Greenhalgh, and as a mark of respect to him.Continue reading “Will controversial report face further delays?”

Hidden in plain sight

Written by a former Greater Manchester police officer, retired Inspector David Sutcliffe, an email circulated amongst key influencers in regional and central government has piled even more pressure on beleaguered Mayor Andy Burnham and his chief constable, Ian Hopkins. Others caught in the crossfire are Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling, about much has already beenContinue reading “Hidden in plain sight”

Fourth time lucky?

This is the fourth in a series of six articles that comprise the deepest dive yet into the murder of Diana Garbutt, by her husband Robin, in March 2010. She was bludgeoned to death in the living quarters above Melsonby Village Store and Post Office as she lay sleeping in bed. The first article, headlinedContinue reading “Fourth time lucky?”

Barton beats an unexpected retreat

Earlier this week Durham Constabulary announced the retirement of its chief constable, Mike Barton, both on social media and via a press release issued to local, regional and national media. The story attracted little attention, given the controversial figure he has frequently cut.But this announcement took many people by surprise, not least policing colleagues whomContinue reading “Barton beats an unexpected retreat”

Mystery of the ‘missing’ peer review

An important part of an investigative journalist’s armoury is the Freedom of Information Act, 2000. The essential principle being that public authorities, unless they can provide a good, and lawful, reason not to do so, must disclose information, upon request, by a member of the public. Or, indeed, a reporter chasing down an ‘exclusive’. ‘PublicContinue reading “Mystery of the ‘missing’ peer review”