Public feedback is being invited on proposals that would enable the Department of Home Affairs to contract out certain functions currently being delivered by the Isle of Man Constabulary.
The intention is to continue to target resources where they are most needed and release officers to focus on frontline policing tasks.
The Police Powers and Procedures (Contracted Staff) (No. 2) Order 2017 would allow custody suite operations and the independent investigation of complaints against the Constabulary to be outsourced. The Department has today, Tuesday 13 June 2017, launched a public consultation and is encouraging people to submit their views.
The Order supports the further modernisation of the Isle of Man Constabulary and the drive to achieve challenging budget targets while maintaining community safety.
While the Department has no immediate plans to contract out custody suite services, the Order would provide the legal power to civilianise appropriate functions in future, such as record keeping, cleaning cells and attending to the essential needs of detainees.
The proposals also seek to put in place arrangements for outsourcing the independent investigation of serious complaints, under the supervision of the independent Police Complaints Commissioner, made against the Isle of Man Constabulary, or self-referred by the Chief Constable.
The Isle of Man has limited options to secure assistance from outside the Island for the purpose of investigating serious matters. The Order would enable the Department to engage approved independent investigators with the appropriate expertise.
Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey MHK said:
‘The Department continues to critically review all aspects of its operations, as part of its contribution towards a more financially responsible Government. This Order would allow us to contract out elements of running the custody suite if that work could be performed in a more cost-effective way by staff other than serving police officers.
‘Public confidence in the Isle of Man Constabulary remains high and the proposed changes would ensure that a robust process remains in place for investigating complaints.’
He added:
‘The modernisation of the police over recent years has helped the Department to keep crime at historically low levels while making significant financial savings. The Police Powers and Procedures (Contracted Staff) (No. 2) Order 2017 would help us to build on that work to free up officers to deliver quality policing and protect the Island’s reputation as the safest place to live in the British Isles.’
An impact assessment and copy of the draft Order are available on the consultation section of the Government website.
Responses can be emailed to DHA Consultations or posted to Tom Bateman, Legislation Manager, Department of Home Affairs, Headquarters Building, Tromode Road, IM2 5PA. Comments must be received by Tuesday 5 September 2017.
