Independent review into the Court of Appeal judgement against Northamptonshire Police (November 2025) – update
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone set up an independent review after the Cout of Appeal found the Chief Constable in contempt because Northamptonshire Police had not followed a disclosure order.
The independent review was commissioned in November 2025 and is being conducted by an independent reviewer – former Crown Prosecutor Patricia Richardson – and overseen by Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Marianne Kimani.
The aim is to provide answers on the failings that led up to the Court’s finding, including any systemic or cultural barriers within Northamptonshire Police that might have led to the non-compliance.
The reviewer has already examined a significant amount of material, including an internal review, a peer review from another Force, audit reports and legal documents.
The independent reviewer has said that Northamptonshire Police has clearly implemented improvements since the court finding. However, she has now asked for a significant amount of further information and documentation, including details of processes and supervision arrangements before the court of appeal hearing.
These matters are also still being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and that investigation takes precedence over the Commissioner’s internal review.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone stressed that the independent review cannot prejudice the IOPC’s work in any way. She also stressed that thoroughness is more important than speed.
The Commissioner will present what is expected to be the final review report – subject to the requirements of the IOPC investigation – at the meeting of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel in December.
