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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
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.
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.
“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.
“We recognise that the public’s trust in West Midlands Police has been damaged by this event and we have worked hard over the last seven months – and continue to do so – to rebuild confidence in the force.
“We will continue to fully engage and cooperate with the IOPC as their work continues.”
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