Policing and Crime Act 2017

Official Summary

A Bill to make provision for collaboration between the emergency services; to make provision about the handling of police complaints and other matters relating to police conduct and to make further provision about the Independent Police Complaints Commission; to make provision for super-complaints about policing; to make provision for the investigation of concerns about policing raised by whistle-blowers; to make provision about police discipline; to make provision about police inspection; to make provision about the powers of police civilian staff and police volunteers; to remove the powers of the police to appoint traffic wardens; to enable provision to be made to alter police ranks; to make provision about the Police Federation; to make provision in connection with the replacement of the Association of Chief Police Officers with the National Police Chiefs’ Council; to make provision about the system for bail after arrest but before charge; to make provision to enable greater use of modern technology at police stations; to make other amendments to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984; to amend the powers of the police under the Mental Health Act 1983; to extend the powers of the police in relation to maritime enforcement; to make provision about deputy police and crime commissioners; to make provision to enable changes to the names of police areas; to make provision about the regulation of firearms; to make provision about the licensing of alcohol; to make provision about the implementation and enforcement of financial sanctions; to amend the Police Act 1996 to make further provision about police collaboration; to make provision about the powers of the National Crime Agency; to make provision for requiring arrested persons to provide details of nationality; to make provision for requiring defendants in criminal proceedings to provide details of nationality and other information; to make provision to combat the sexual exploitation of children; and for connected purposes.

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Overview

This bill makes several amendments to existing legislation relating to policing and crime in the UK. Key changes include increasing maximum sentences for stalking offences, improving support for families at inquests involving police forces, and strengthening provisions for victims' rights.

Description

The bill comprises several key amendments:

Inquiry into Police-Newspaper Corruption

An independent inquiry will be commissioned into allegations of corrupt relationships between police and newspaper organizations, subject to the Attorney General's assessment of potential prejudice to ongoing investigations.

Funding Parity at Inquests

Police and crime commissioners must recommend financial support for families at inquests where the police are involved, ensuring parity of legal representation. The Secretary of State will provide this funding.

Increased Sentencing for Stalking

Maximum sentences for stalking offences under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and related racially or religiously aggravated harassment offences are increased to 10 and 14 years respectively.

Strengthened Victims' Rights

Several amendments aim to strengthen victims' rights, including provisions for better information sharing, protection during proceedings, access to support services, and compensation. This includes the introduction of new duties for the police and other agencies to ensure victims receive accurate and timely information and are treated with dignity and respect. The amendments also introduce a strategy for training staff across relevant organisations on the impact of crime on victims and victims' rights, a duty to report on training and compliance, and requirements for local policing bodies to prepare and publish Area Victims' Plans.

Enhanced Victim Support and Oversight

The bill introduces a new framework for homicide reviews when no one is charged or those charged are acquitted, with a focus on supporting victims and improving police practices. It also expands the role of the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses, including assessment of Area Victims' Plans and the issuance of guidance and standards for homicide reviews.

Government Spending

The Commons rejected amendments 24 and 96 (and their consequential amendments 159 and 302) because they would involve additional public spending. No figures were provided on the potential costs of the rejected amendments.

Groups Affected

Families involved in inquests: May receive financial assistance for legal representation.
Victims of stalking and related offences: Benefit from increased sentencing for perpetrators.
Victims of crime in general: May experience improvements in information, support, and protection during legal proceedings.
Police officers and newspaper organisations: Subject to the scrutiny of the proposed inquiry into corruption.
Police forces and other agencies: Will face new requirements related to victim support, training, and reporting.
Elected local policing bodies: Must prepare and publish Area Victims' Plans.
The Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses: Takes on a broader role in overseeing victims' support and homicide reviews.

Full Text

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