Overview

This bill mandates a public inquiry into the conduct of Wiltshire Police's Operation Conifer, an investigation into allegations against Sir Edward Heath. The inquiry will examine police and Police and Crime Commissioner conduct and the effectiveness of scrutiny processes during the investigation.

Description

The bill directs the Lord Chancellor to establish an inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005. This inquiry will investigate three key areas:

• Police Conduct: The conduct of Wiltshire Police officers and staff involved in Operation Conifer between August 2015 and October 2017.
• Police and Crime Commissioner Conduct: The conduct of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Swindon and Wiltshire and their staff, specifically concerning contact with the Chief Constable during the investigation.
• Scrutiny Effectiveness: The effectiveness of scrutiny processes, including the independent scrutiny panel and Wiltshire Police's internal reviews, in ensuring the investigation's objectivity and proportionality.

The inquiry must report its recommendations within two years of the bill becoming law. The bill applies only to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify a budget. The cost of the inquiry, including the fees for the inquiry chair and staff, legal costs, and administrative expenses, will be borne by the UK government. No precise figures are available in the provided text.

Groups Affected

The bill will affect:

• Wiltshire Police: Subject to scrutiny of their conduct during Operation Conifer.
• Police and Crime Commissioner for Swindon and Wiltshire: Subject to scrutiny of their conduct and that of their staff in relation to Operation Conifer.
• The public: The inquiry's findings may impact public confidence in Wiltshire Police and the effectiveness of police oversight.
• Sir Edward Heath's family and those who made allegations: The inquiry's findings could have implications for them.

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