The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has responded to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decision not to pursue charges against police officers involved in a controversial incident at Manchester Airport on July 23.
The CPS announced earlier today that no officers would face charges following an investigation into their use of force during the altercation, which resulted in three police officers being violently assaulted.
Ongoing IOPC Investigation
The IOPC confirmed that its independent investigation into the actions of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers during the incident is “nearing completion.” This includes evaluating allegations of assault made against six police officers and reviewing the use of force on six individuals during the arrests.
Two officers were previously interviewed under criminal caution as part of the inquiry. The IOPC provided the CPS with relevant evidence during its investigation, including a final submission on December 16, before the CPS made its decision.
Complaints Against Officers
The IOPC is also investigating complaints filed by six individuals regarding the officers’ conduct during the incident. It remains unclear whether the complaints were submitted by impartial members of the public or those connected to the individuals involved in the altercation.
In their statement, the IOPC said:
“At that point, we will decide whether anyone serving with GMP should face disciplinary proceedings, and we will reach a decision on a series of complaints raised by six members of the public in relation to the incident.”
Calls for Scrutiny and Transparency
The IOPC stressed the importance of the investigation, stating:
It was important for events at Manchester Airport on 23 July to be carefully investigated. The IOPC and GMP investigations are separate, and with different remits, but between them ensure there is an appropriate level of scrutiny of these matters.”
The investigation has attracted widespread attention, sparking debate within the emergency services community. Questions have also been raised regarding the source of complaints and their potential influence on the case.
Next Steps
The IOPC has committed to concluding the remaining aspects of its investigation swiftly, with final decisions on potential disciplinary proceedings and public complaints expected soon.
The case has highlighted the challenges of balancing public accountability with the rights and protections of police officers, fueling broader discussions about the treatment of law enforcement in the UK.
