Response provided to Daniel Morgan Independent Panel

The report provides the following updates:

• All forces have clear guidance when investigating a case such as the Daniel Morgan case and therefore the fundamental mistakes made in that investigation should not be repeated. In 2021, NPCC Major Crime Investigation Manual (MCIM), supported by the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP) was updated and republished. This sets the standard for all forces when investigating major crimes. 
• Publication in December last year of the Home Office Code of Practice which provides further guidance on the use of the Covert Human Intelligence Sources as a tactic. Amendments to the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016 and Part II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) as amended by the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021.
• Publication in 2021, by the NPCC and CoP of a new edition of the Major Incident Room Standardised Administrative Procedures which provides forces with guidance to ensure that all major incident rooms are run in a consistent way and ensures that officers and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities.
• Refreshing of the CoP’s Code of Practice on Police Information and Records Management. This new Code will help improve the way in which records are kept including by introducing a standardised process for archiving files where there is a public interest as well as setting out advice on how files should be migrated to newer platforms to allow for accessibility.
• Update on the upcoming revised Vetting APP publication later this year to ensure consistency across vetting departments and to standardise decision making in complex cases. In addition, by the end of 2023 all police officers, including members of the Special Constabulary and staff in England and Wales will be checked against the Police National Database (PND) to identify any intelligence or allegations that need further investigation. Officers who are dismissed for gross misconduct (including corruption) are placed on the ‘barred list’ ensuring that they are unable to work anywhere in policing, which is a significant development since 1987.
• All forces in England and Wales have signed up to a Charter for Families Bereaved Through Public Tragedy which sets out that police organisations must acknowledge when mistakes have been made and must not seek to defend the indefensible. In addition, the CoP embedding an explicit duty of candour in the refresh of the Code of Practice for Ethical Behaviour due later this year, to which Chief Officers must legally have regard.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said:

“While there has been much progress in the way the police respond to this type of crime, since the tragic murder of Daniel Morgan in 1987, there is still more that can be done. Policing must be held to the highest possible standards it is vitally important that as a profession, policing reflects collective failings and always seek to improve.

“Today’s report highlights some of the key work that has taken place over the last three decades to improve standards and look to ensure that policing learns from the mistakes of the past.”

College of Policing CEO, Chief Constable Andy Marsh KPM, said:

“The service confronted many harsh truths and failings after the death of Daniel Morgan. Our thoughts and sympathy remain with his family.

“This report sets out some of the ways the College has been doing this, including clearer guidance for major investigations, a new Code of Practice on record-keeping, and improved practice for vetting and counter-corruption procedures.

“Although much has changed since 1987, it is only through action and not words that policing can build public trust. Policing must continue to improve, and therefore the College of Policing will continue to set high standards to help drive this necessary improvement.”