Letter: Scrutiny of police deaths
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I am somewhat surprised at Raju Bhatt's attack on the way in which the deaths of Shiji Lapite and Richard O'Brien were investigated ("Death in custody defeat for Mills", 29 July).
Mr Bhatt called for His Honour Gerald Butler QC to examine the quality of the information that the Crown Prosecution Service receives from the police.
I am not afraid of scrutiny. I believe that the quality of investigations, which we supervise, is very high. The quality of the investigation was never questioned during the inquests into the deaths of Shiji Lapite or Richard O'Brien or in the recent affidavits to the High Court.
As Andreas Whittam-Smith acknowledged ("There can be no hiding places for corrupt police", 3 August) , the Authority is a force for change. Throughout our 12 years of existence we have pressed for many changes to the police complaints system but have always emphasised that in the majority of cases the standard of investigation is high. Death in custody investigations are invariably supervised by a member of this independent authority.
PETER MOORHOUSE
Chairman
Police Complaints Authority
London SW1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments