Daniel Morgan Independent Panel – policing's response

No one has been brought to justice for Daniel Morgan's tragic murder, and our thoughts and sympathies remain with the family.

The service confronted many harsh truths and failings after the death of Daniel Morgan. 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.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, College of Policing CEO

Since 1987 there has been significant progress in the way police respond to this type of crime, but we recognise the need to always seek improvement. The measures set out in our report are intended to help prevent the series of events in the case from being repeated.

The Panel made a number of specific recommendations, and we are addressing the following areas.

Major crime investigation 

Updated guidance was provided by the 2021 NPCC Major Crime Investigation Manual. Supported by our authorised professional practice (APP), this sets the standard for all forces when investigating major crimes. Clear guidance of this kind means the mistakes made in 1987 should not be repeated. 

Covert human intelligence sources (CHIS)

The use of CHIS is is strictly governed by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), including its independent oversight by the the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO). The Home Office published a new CHIS Code of Practice in December 2022.

Home Office large major enquiry system (HOLMES)

We published a new edition of the Major Incident Room Standardised Administrative Procedures in 2021 with the NPCC. This was to ensure major incident rooms are run in a consistently methodical way. HOLMES is now cloud-based, which means it is much easier to access without delay.

Information and records management

We've refreshed our Code of Practice on police information and records management, introducing standardised processes for archiving and advice on accessibility. This awaits final Parliamentary approval.

Alongside the NPCC, we have committed to ensuring police policies are readily accessible. We will share the guidance drafted by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in respect of data breaches nationally.

Tackling corruption

We are working with stakeholders on a new anti-corruption APP, and continue to work closely with practitioners through the NPCC vetting portfolio to ensure that our Vetting APP reflects best current practice.

The barred list of officers dismissed for gross misconduct is a significant development since 1987. All forces have their own policies to ensure compliance with declarable interest regulations, supported by our Counter corruption APP.

Our policing education qualifications framework (PEQF) sets the core curriculum and standards for initial recruit training and, increasingly, for all professional training. It contains a significant focus on avoiding corruption, abuse of authority and off-duty conduct.   

Duty of candour

A duty of cooperation for serving police officers was introduced by the Police (Conduct) Regulations (2020).

We're embedding a duty of candour in our refreshed Code of Ethics, which will set out the high standards of professional behaviour that every police officer and staff member is expected to uphold. It will promote the use of the national decision model (NDM) to help embed ethical reasoning. 

The Code of Ethics and NDM standards and values are used in recruitment, training and reinforced through performance assessments and supervision. 

Policing remains committed to working with stakeholders to build on these reforms.

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.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, College of Policing CEO