Recommendation - Bedfordshire Police, May 2022

The IOPC recommends that Bedfordshire Police review its arrangements for managing officers who have returned from extended periods of absence. The review should consider:

• the appropriateness of the force's 'return to work' arrangements;
• whether they were followed in this case;
• whether changes are required to existing policy and procedures.

This recommendation was made following an IOPC casework review which found an officer returning from extended leave was required to carry out a role which they lacked the necessary training and experience to undertake. This led to a poor investigation being conducted into a serious criminal allegation.

Do you accept the recommendation?

Yes

Accepted action:

Bedfordshire Police accept all three of the IOPC recommendations to review our arrangements for managing officers who have returned from extended periods of absence. We have already reviewed our force return to work policy which we assess as appropriate but will be reviewing our decision making following a fact-finding session with the officer in this case to understand how and whether the policy was followed upon her return to work. During every posting decision the force considers the individuals skill set and particular needs as well as the business requirements prior to the work posting/placement decision being made. Prior to receiving, and independent of this complaint, the force had proactively identified improvements needed in respect of a small number of supervisory officers’ skills and capabilities. These were addressed with the implementation of bespoke support, development, and improvement plans.