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 concerning policing and crime. Key changes include increasing the maximum sentences for stalking and harassment offences, improving support for families at inquests involving police forces, and enhancing victim rights and protections within the criminal justice system. The bill also calls for an inquiry into alleged corrupt relationships between police and newspapers.

Description

Increased Sentences for Stalking Offences:

The bill significantly increases the maximum prison sentence for stalking and harassment offenses from five to ten years. This amendment aims to reflect the severity of these crimes and provide stronger deterrents.

Inquiry into Police-Newspaper Corruption:

The bill mandates an independent inquiry into allegations of corrupt relationships between police forces and newspaper organizations. The inquiry will investigate the adequacy of police investigations into such complaints and potential instances of illegal payments to suppress investigations.

Funding Parity at Inquests:

The bill aims to ensure financial support is available to families at inquests where a police force is involved, ensuring that the family has sufficient funding for legal representation comparable to that of the other parties. This funding would be provided by the Secretary of State upon recommendation by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Enhanced Victim Rights and Protections:

Amendments include expanding the Victims’ Code to ensure victims receive timely and accurate information, are treated with dignity and respect throughout the criminal justice process, and have access to various support services. The bill also introduces a statutory duty for local policing bodies to assess victim needs and publish Area Victims’ Plans.

Government Spending

The Commons rejected Lords Amendments 24 and 96, and several related amendments concerning victim support and the inquiry into police-newspaper corruption, primarily due to concerns about the associated costs to public funds. No specific figures were provided regarding the potential financial implications of these rejected amendments.

Groups Affected

Victims of crime: The bill aims to enhance their rights, access to information, and support throughout the criminal justice system.
Families involved in inquests: Families whose loved ones’ deaths are subject to inquests where a police force is involved may receive financial assistance for legal representation.
Police forces and officers: Subject to increased scrutiny and potential disciplinary actions related to the investigation into police-newspaper corruption.
Newspaper organizations: Subject to investigation into allegations of corrupt relationships with police officers.
Perpetrators of stalking and harassment offences: Face significantly increased potential prison sentences.
Criminal justice agencies (CPS, Judiciary): Will face new duties relating to training, reporting, and adherence to the Victims' Code.

Full Text

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