The Ethics, Transparency and Audit Panel (ETAP) has today published its findings into the process followed by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis in relation to Operation Kalmia.
Operation Kalmia refers to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation into the behaviour of Staffordshire Police officers prior to the 2008 trial for the murder of Kevin Nunes in 2002.
The ETAP held a full scrutiny session, webcast live to the public, into the process used by the Commissioner to reach his decision that Temporary Chief Constable Jane Sawyers had no case to answer for misconduct or gross misconduct in relation to the IPCC’s recommendations about the historic case.
The ETAP report outlines how the Commissioner sought expert opinions from a QC and a nationally respected head of another force’s Professional Standards Department before reaching his decision.
It concludes: “We are satisfied that the Police and Crime Commissioner looked at all the available evidence, was rigorous in his approach and was mindful of the need for transparency and openness; and in this way demonstrated his commitment to the Policing Code of Ethics. We believe that the process followed was fair and objective. We support the decision not to allow budgetary constraints to influence the decision to obtain top quality advice in respect of these matters.”
The report recommended that ETAP members have a future opportunity to scrutinise police whistleblowing and disclosure procedures in Staffordshire.
It can be read in full at here
