PCC's statement on 'National policing response to Hillsborough Families Report'
31.01.23 - Merseyside
Merseyside's Police Commissioner has today responded to a new report produced by the National Police Chief's Council and the College of Policing in relation to the Hillsborough Families Report.
The report has been published in response to "The patronising disposition of unaccountable power": A report to ensure the pain and suffering of the Hillsborough families is not repeated' written by The Right Reverend James Jones KBE which was published in November 2017.
Within the 2017 report, known as the Hillsborough Families Report, Bishop James made a number of learning points for policing which are addressed within the national police response.
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “The Hillsborough families have suffered unimaginable heartache for many years due to the profound failings of policing.
“Nothing and no-one can undo their suffering.
“But it is only right that those failings are openly acknowledged, and that policing publicly commits to taking every possible action to make sure no other families are forced to endure the injustice they have experienced.
“Much has changed in policing in recent years and, as this report sets out, a huge amount of work has been undertaken to address the points of learning set out by Bishop James to ensure no other families are so badly let down.
“This report demonstrates that commitment from the very top ranks of policing and on behalf of all forces nationally and recognises that, as the Manchester Arena attack has demonstrated, there can be no room for complacency.
“As police leaders, we must strive to increase accountability and transparency within our justice system and enhance the support for victims of crime, especially those left bereft by public disasters, wherever possible.
“Care, compassion, openness, transparency and accountability are values which should be embedded in every layer of policing, criminal justice and government.
“That’s why I continue to support calls for the Government to bring forward a Hillsborough Law Now to rebalance the scales of justice and ensure these principles are enshrined throughout our system.”
Read the 'National Police Response to the Hillsborough Families Report'