ICRIR ensures oversight of its police powers

The Commission has set out, in its Consultation on Operational Design, three types of investigation that it could carry out. Liability investigations will be undertaken here with a view to making a referral for prosecution to the Public Prosecution Service Northern Ireland, In support of these investigations, in addition to the far-reaching statutory powers, designated Commission officers may use all the powers and privileges of police officers. 

The Police Ombudsman, which provides an independent, impartial system for handling complaints about police, has agreed with the Commission that it will have responsibility for investigating any allegations of serious complaints about the misuse of those police powers by Commission officers.

The Commission is also seeking agreements with the Independent Officer for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the Police Investigation and Review Commissioner (PIRC) to oversee the ICRIR’s police level investigations in England and Wales, and Scotland, respectively.

All three regulators are fully independent, and their decisions are made entirely independently of the Commission and the Police and Government.

Commissioner for Investigations Peter Sheridan said:

“Where we are exercising police powers and carrying out investigations with a view to a prosecution it is important that there is independent oversight of our use of policing those powers.

“This is another important step in preparing the Commission to be able to carry out independent and thorough investigations.”

The PONI, IOPC and PIRC agreements are due to commence when the Commission begins its work from May.

The Commission is also putting in place robust internal arrangements so that only fit and proper persons are designated with police powers where there is an operational need.

Notes to Editors.

• The Memorandum of understanding signed with the Police Ombudsman can be found here: Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland ICRIR Agreement – Independent Commission for Reconciliation & Information Recovery
• The Commission has also published a summary of its approach to designating officers with the powers of a constable and this can be found here Policy and process on designation of officers with the powers of a Police constable – Independent Commission for Reconciliation & Information Recovery (icrir.independent-inquiry.uk)
• More information about the PONI, IOPC and PIRC can be found on their websites here:
  Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland Policing Board (nipolicingboard.org.uk)
  We are the Independent Office for Police Conduct | Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)
  We are the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner | Police Investigation & Review Commissioner (pirc.scot)
• Liability investigation – In addition to aiming to address the questions that requesting individuals have raised, this type of investigation will seek to establish all the circumstances of the death or other harmful conduct. Such an investigation would be capable of leading to a referral for prosecution as evidence would need to be obtained to a standard that would support prosecution. The Commission’s statutory powers, as well as the powers of a constable, may be utilised by the Commission.
• The Commission is engaged in a number of public consultation exercises to ensure people have the chance to input to its operational processes. You can access and respond to these consultations via the Commission’s website.
• Anyone who would like to get involved in the Commission’s work to define its processes and principles can also email us at our Contact page to be added to our mailing list for updates.
• The Commission has been undertaking recruitment to operational roles since January. Roles are advertised at Career opportunities at ICRIR – Independent Commission for Reconciliation & Information Recovery .