The Independent Police Complaints Commission is delighted that the report 'Justice In Policing' has backed the IPCC's recommendation to change the -*test*-('") for sending cases to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS.)

The report by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary examines the handling of cases involving allegations of criminal offences by those serving with the police.

IPCC deputy chair John Wadham said: "The report backs our call for a higher -*test*-('") so that in future hopeless cases will no longer be required to be sent to the CPS. This change will lead to a much fairer system. It will be fairer to police officers as cases won’t hang over officers’ heads for months and fairer to complainants by not raising false expectations. Where a prosecution is justified the decision can be made more quickly and officers who have committed offences can be dealt with by the courts.

“Implementing this proposal will speed up the process and mean that if there are lessons to be learned or officers who should be disciplined those actions can be taken quickly.”

"The IPCC also welcomes the open and inclusive approach taken by HMCPSI and HMIC in producing this report, which has many positive ideas for improving the handling of complaints. The IPCC will be considering how best to respond to its many practical ideas," said John Wadham