Independent review of Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department published

The independent review commissioned by PCC Donna Jones into the force’s Professional Standards Department (PSD) has made recommendations on welfare, timeliness and proportionality of its investigations.

The review was conducted by John Riddell a solicitor and partner at Weightmans LLP following the tragic deaths of two officers while under investigation last year.

The report contains 23 recommendations for improvement.

The report raised concerns over the length of time of investigations and the number initially assessed as gross misconduct.

It found that in the three-year period reviewed, 75% of cases initially assessed as gross misconduct were later downgraded.

This runs the risk of putting officers under great stress and wasting PSD time.

However, the report acknowledges due to the expectation for investigation set out in the Police Conduct Regulations, it may only be possible to downgrade assessments following an investigation.

For those who do end up facing a public misconduct hearing, the report says PSD could be more proactive in supporting anonymity applications for officers with serious welfare issues.

The review found gross misconduct cases which are followed by a criminal matter or prosecution cause the longest delays.

The report goes on to recommend caution should be applied in pursuing a gross misconduct matter following a criminal acquittal with reference to the criteria set out in the Home Office Guidance.

For criminal proceedings, arrests and detentions may be unavoidable but voluntary attendance should always be considered as an option.

Welcome improvements have been made in welfare support, but even if the issues of timelines and proportionately are confronted gross misconduct cases are likely to remain very stressful for officers and staff.  Officers who are removed from public facing roles are also removed from social and support networks, leaving them feeling isolated and alone.

Restrictions upon officers and staff under investigation are often necessary but should be proportionate. Any new post should where possible make full use of an officer or staff member’s skills and experience.

It recommends further investigation into the adequacy of medical support with particular emphasis upon counselling and psychiatric support. The force should consider a feasibility study into the provision of full-time welfare support officers and replacement smart phones when officers’ personal phones are seized.

The report said in the wake of the Baroness Casey Inquiry and Angiolini reports the force should continue to investigate cases of misogyny and that PSD action in pursuing these cases is justified.

However, a lighter touch could be used on some cases of alleged relationships at work. Allegations of violence by women against men must be fairly investigated to avoid allegations of gender bias.

The report concludes that PSD does not have an overly punitive approach in most cases however better severity assessments, management training, and welfare provision are required.

Weightmans LLP has offered to provide training free of charge to PSD for severity assessments, investigations and determinations and offered to set up a helpline to officers involved in severity assessments and determinations.

The report acknowledges criminal proceedings or concurrent IOPC investigations are out of PSD’s control, but even so, the report calls for faster investigations and sets out recommendations to improve timeliness.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Professional Standard Department fully cooperated with the inquiry. The report says the force’s PSD improvement plan and Project Connect are confronting many of the issues identified.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has shared the findings with the Chief Constable.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “Police officers have high standards of behaviour to uphold. When allegations of misconduct arise, it is essential the force investigates them thoroughly.

“This approach reinforces the professionalism of the many officers who serve with honour every day.

“It is equally important to recognise the profound impact that investigations have on the welfare of officers.

“Lengthy periods spent in restricted or redeployed roles places unnecessary strain on individuals.

“Ultimately officers removed frontline duties limits the service the public expects and deserves.

“A careful balance must be struck: investigations must be rigorous, fair, and efficient, while ensuring that officers’ rights, wellbeing, and dignity are protected throughout.

“I have shared the findings of the report with the Chief Constable and I have outlined a timeline of when I expect the recommendations to be implemented.

“I’d like to thank John Riddell of Weightmans LLP for completing this review. I would also like to thank officers and staff who contributed to the review.”

Chief Constable Alexis Boon said: “We welcome the findings of the independent review into our Professional Standards Department, commissioned by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

“We recognise that there are genuine concerns from current and former officers and staff and their contributions have helped identify the recommendations outlined in the report.

“We understand that anyone under misconduct investigation faces significant stress and uncertainty. It is therefore vitally important to ensure investigations are timely and proportionate and that effective welfare support is provided. Improvements have been recommended and will be made.

“It is encouraging that the reviewer recognises that our Professional Standards Department is not taking an unduly punitive approach and are discharging their professional duties to tackle concerns that matter most to the public and colleagues, specifically when it comes to misconduct associated with misogyny within the police.

“The report also endorses our internal review and the changes already identified through it, which are being delivered via our PSD improvement plan and Project Connect. A significant number of these recommendations have already been implemented.

“We are reviewing any outstanding actions in relation to our improvement plan, and further areas identified by the review will be included as part of this ongoing work.

“We will continue to adapt and improve as we remain committed to challenging and tackling unacceptable behaviour, supporting our workforce, and upholding the highest standards of policing.”

The findings and recommendations can be read here: PSD REVIEW EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In September 2025 Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones commissioned John Riddell, Partner at Weightmans LLP, to carry out an independent review into Hampshire and Isle of Wight Professional Standard Department (PSD). PSD investigate police officers and staff for matters of misconduct and gross misconduct. The review’s terms of reference were to investigate issues involving proportionality and timeliness in investigations, welfare provision for officers and culture.

The review looked at cases between October 2022 and October 2025.

At the initial assessment stage before investigation:

• 25% were initially assessed as gross misconduct
• 20% as misconduct
• 39% as no further action
• 13% as performance requiring improvement (reflective practice review)
• 3% as performance management

Over half of all cases (55%) were filtered out of the conduct process at initial review, despite the expectation that they would be investigated. A quarter (25%) began at the gross misconduct level.

Of the 190 cases that were initially assessed as gross misconduct:

• Only 51 cases remained classified as gross misconduct through to conclusion
• 132 cases (75%) were downgraded during investigation
• 7 cases were downgraded at the determination (hearing) stage

Of the cases that did remain gross misconduct, the vast majority were proven and resulted in dismissal.

The overall outcomes on the initial severity assessments and determinations taken together for the last three years were as follows:

• No further action was recommended on 55% of cases
• 29% were dealt with by way of performance requiring improvement (reflective practice review.)
• 4% were dealt with by way of performance regulations
• 5% by written warning
• 6% by dismissal and
• 4% by management action
• 1% led to reduction in rank

The review did not investigate the tragic deaths of two police officers while under investigation last year. Their deaths and the impact they have had remain central to the PCC’s motivation to commission the review. Both cases are subject to on-going investigations by Greater Manchester Police and are the subject of inquests to be conducted by the Coroner. Those investigations are ongoing and need to take their course.

Weightmans LLP has offered pro bono assistance as required on issues such as severity assessment and final determination of a case. The Commissioner has urged the Chief Constable to take up this offer.