The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel - Complaints Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 5 August 2026. The agenda includes the consideration of a non-criminal complaint against the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire, as well as procedural matters such as the appointment of a chair and the potential exclusion of the press and public for certain agenda items.

Consideration of Complaint 02/2026

The agenda includes the consideration of a non-criminal complaint, referenced as 02/2026, concerning the conduct of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire. The report pack outlines the Informal Resolution Protocol regarding non-criminal complaints against the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire ¹. This protocol, established under the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2012², designates the Monitoring Officer of the host authority as the first point of contact.

According to the protocol, if a complaint is recorded, a copy is sent to the complainant and the person complained against, subject to anonymity considerations. The Panel's Secretariat is then tasked with convening a meeting of the Complaints Sub Committee, typically within three weeks of receiving the complaint. Both the complainant and the individual complained about are given the opportunity to make comments. The Monitoring Officer will compile a report for the Sub Committee, detailing the complaint and suggesting next steps.

The Complaints Sub Committee will first assess whether the complaint has been satisfactorily dealt with. If not, and if the matter requires further resolution, the committee will decide on its course of action. It is noted that the Complaints Sub Committee may not conduct an investigation ³ but can use delegated powers to request information or attendance for questioning. Potential actions include devising an action plan, which may involve explanatory letters, suggested changes to policy or practice, or a request for an apology. The committee will also determine whether to reconvene, authorise an individual to take steps, or refer the matter to the full Police, Fire and Crime Panel. The protocol also states that if the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)⁴ requires the complaint to be referred to them, or if the Sub Committee decides this is necessary due to the emergence of matters indicating a criminal offence, the informal resolution process will be discontinued.