Hillsborough Survivor Alleges Police Harassment

Key Takeaways

• The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found "fundamental failures" by police in their handling of the Hillsborough disaster
• There were concerns with how burglary reports were recorded, including one log conflating two incidents into one
• No information was recorded about burglaries at the home of an individual campaigner
• The law was changed in 2017 to allow ex-officers to face misconduct proceedings, but it does not apply retrospectively
• The families of the victims and campaigners are calling for accountability and justice for the police’s actions

Introduction to the Incident
The Hillsborough disaster was a tragic event that occurred in 1989, resulting in the loss of many lives. The incident has been marred by controversy and allegations of police misconduct, including the handling of burglary reports and the blaming of fans for the disaster. A recent investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has shed light on the police’s actions, revealing "fundamental failures" and "concerted efforts" to blame fans. In this article, we will delve into the details of the investigation and its findings, as well as the reactions of the families of the victims and campaigners.

The Investigation and Its Findings
The IOPC investigation found that there were significant concerns with how the police handled the burglary reports related to the Hillsborough disaster. Specifically, one log conflated two incidents into one, and no information was recorded about burglaries at the home of an individual campaigner. The police force acknowledged the findings and stated that they had recognized processes in place at the time, but work has been undertaken to ensure officers adhere to those processes. However, the IOPC report highlighted that there was no evidence of police involvement in the burglaries, and one witness report described "youths" being responsible. The report’s findings are a damning indictment of the police’s actions, and the families of the victims and campaigners are calling for accountability and justice.

Police Response and Accountability
A spokesperson for the force stated that they acknowledged the findings of the IOPC and recognized the need to carry out substantial searches on force systems to provide all the information to the IOPC. The police force also stated that they had recognized processes in place at the time, but work has been undertaken to ensure officers adhere to those processes. However, the fact that the law was changed in 2017 to allow ex-officers to face misconduct proceedings, but does not apply retrospectively, has raised concerns about accountability. The families of the victims and campaigners are calling for justice and accountability, and the police’s response has been criticized for being inadequate. Charlotte Hennessy, whose father James was killed at Hillsborough, stated that "we will never truly know the full extent of South Yorkshire Police force’s deception, but there is no hiding, there is no destroying, and there is no way to cover up that they failed their duties and then they sought to blame the victims."

The Impact on the Families and Campaigners
The findings of the IOPC report have had a significant impact on the families of the victims and campaigners. The report’s findings have confirmed their long-held suspicions of police misconduct and have provided a sense of vindication. However, the fact that the law does not allow for retrospective action against ex-officers has raised concerns about justice and accountability. The families and campaigners are calling for further action to be taken, including the prosecution of ex-officers and a full inquiry into the police’s actions. The incident has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability within the police force, and the importance of ensuring that those responsible for misconduct are held to account.

Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the IOPC report has shed light on the police’s actions during the Hillsborough disaster, revealing "fundamental failures" and "concerted efforts" to blame fans. The families of the victims and campaigners are calling for accountability and justice, and the police’s response has been criticized for being inadequate. The incident has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability within the police force, and the importance of ensuring that those responsible for misconduct are held to account. The next steps will be crucial in determining the outcome of this incident, and it remains to be seen whether the families and campaigners will receive the justice and accountability they are seeking.