Regulation 22 Suspension and resumption of an investigation

The Commission may suspend any investigation or other procedure under these Regulations which would, if it were to continue, prejudice any criminal proceedings.

Where the whole or part of the investigation of a complaint has been suspended until the conclusion of criminal proceedings, and the complainant has failed to indicate after the conclusion of those proceedings that he wishes the investigation to start or be resumed, the Commission shall take the steps set out in paragraph (3).

The Commission shall take all reasonable steps to contact the complainant to ascertain whether he wants the investigation to start or be resumed, as the case may be.

If the complainant indicates that he does wish the investigation to start or be resumed, the Commission shall start or resume the investigation, as the case may be.

If the complainant indicates that he does not wish the investigation to start or be resumed, or if he fails to reply within 21 days to a letter sent to him by the Commission, the Commission shall determine whether it is in the public interest for the investigation to start or be resumed.

If the Commission determines that it is not in the public interest for the investigation to start or be resumed, the provisions of these Regulations shall cease to apply to the complaint.

If the Commission determines that it is in the public interest for the investigation to start or be resumed, the Commission shall treat the complaint as if it was a conduct matter referred to the Commission by a police and crime panel in accordance with these Regulations.

The Commission shall notify the person complained against if paragraph (6) or (7) applies.

But nothing in paragraph (8) shall require the Commission to make a notification if it is of the opinion that that might prejudice any criminal investigation or pending proceedings or would be contrary to the public interest.