By Rob Ratcliff
The Independent Police Complaints Commission has called on the Home Office to allow them the powers to investigate private security firms that have been given police powers, in order to ensure the protection and confidence of the public.
Currently the IPCC only have powers to investigate allegations of misconduct directed towards members of the police force, and cannot investigate incidents involving staff who have been contracted to carry out police duties.
Some security firms support the IPCC in their request, but ministers have been slow to make changes to the IPCC charter, while contracts have been awarded for private policing powers.
Speaking to the Observer at the weekend, deputy chair of the IPCC, Deborah Glass, said, "We believe it is vital for public confidence that all those who perform police-like functions and powers are subject to independent oversight.
"It cannot be right for someone doing the same job as a police officer not to fall within the IPCC's remit simply because the police have contracted the job to a private company. But any change in this area requires a change in the IPCC's powers. We have told the Home Office that we believe these powers are necessary, indeed crucial."
There is concern that unscrupulous firms could be awarded policing contracts with the authorities unable to bring their officers to proper account.
Among those concerned are G4S, who were awarded a contract earlier this year to operate the UK’s first ‘private police station’ in Lincolnshire. Speaking to the same newspaper, they backed the IPCC, saying that other private security companies should “follow our example.”
"We would very much welcome our staff being subject to the same rules that govern police staff. In addition – and in the absence of statutory regulation – we have included IPCC compliance into our strategic partnership contract with Lincolnshire police.”
The Home Office say that they are looking into whether the remit of the IPCC could be extended to cover private contractors, but in the current climate of coalition Government deregulation changes are unlikely to be forthcoming.
