A recent examination into the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster revealed that while some police officers attempted to shift responsibility away from themselves, they are not facing any misconduct charges, according to a statement released by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC initiated investigations back in 2013 following the tragic events that unfolded on 15 April 1989 in Sheffield, leading to the loss of 97 Liverpool fans.
In a letter obtained by the Press Association, family members of the victims were informed that the conclusions of complaints regarding police conduct would be disclosed soon. The IOPC stated that in the majority of cases, there was no evidence suggesting officers were guilty of misconduct, as the professional standards of policing at that time did not mandate a specific obligation of transparency.
The deputy director-general of the IOPC, Kathie Cashell, acknowledged that there were indications supporting claims that the South Yorkshire Police force tried to shift blame away from themselves following the disaster. However, there was no evidence to substantiate assertions that the behavior of the supporters played a role in the tragic incident. Cashell emphasized that despite public interest in uncovering the truth, the police force was within its rights, under the law at that time, to present a biased narrative and selectively present evidence.
As a response to the findings, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to introduce the Hillsborough Law by the next anniversary of the disaster, including a legal imperative for transparency. The IOPC welcomed the government’s proposal to establish a stronger statutory obligation of transparency for all public servants, including law enforcement officials, which they believe will enhance the accuracy of their investigations
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