Disciplinary arrangements for the Police Service in England and Wales will remain under the control of Parliament, but are to be brought into line with modern management practice, according to a government review of police discipline.
The Taylor Report said there was clear agreement between the government, police bodies, the CPS and the other participants in the review that police disciplinary arrangements need to move away from being lengthy, costly, heavily regulated and punitive.
The review said that police disciplinary arrangements should be set by Parliament to ensure national consistency and citizen focus.
But within that regulation, they should follow the good practice laid down by the Arbitration and Conciliation Advisory Service code of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures.
This will bring modern management practice into police discipline and is supported by stakeholders, the report said.
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Home Office minister Hazel Blears said the government agreed with the recommendations and an effective, accountable police service which commands public confidence needed a more professional approach to disciplinary procedures.