Select Committee on Home Affairs Written Evidence


55.  Supplementary memorandum submitted by the Police Federation of England and Wales

DRAFT IDENTITY CARD BILL: A POLICING PERSPECTIVE

1.  BACKGROUND

  1.1  The Police Federation of England and Wales—the voice of the police service—is the representative body for over 95% of police officers. Established by statute, we are responsible not only for the welfare of officers but also the provision of an efficient police service.

  1.2  We welcome the opportunity to submit further evidence to the Home Affairs Committee (HAC) following our previous written[109] and oral evidence[110] and hope our views assist the committee in their scrutinisation of the bill. This response has been prepared specifically for the HAC, although viewpoints and sections within it may be reproduced at a later date in our formal response to the Government. If required, we would be happy to give further oral evidence at a later date to aid the HAC in its inquiry.

  1.3  In line with the Government's own consultation, this briefing covers both the general scope and specific clauses within the Bill, in addition to reaffirming specific observations expressed in our previous evidence.

2.  INTRODUCTION

  2.1  The Police Federation of England and Wales has supported identity cards for over a decade, hence we fully welcome the Government's decision to publish a draft identity card bill.

  2.2  The success of any identity card scheme will be entwined with the relative depth of public understanding, confidence and support. We therefore recognise the advantages of a phased introduction, especially bearing in mind prerequisite technological developments. Nevertheless, in time, it is our preference for the introduction of a universally held compulsory identity card.

3.  GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

  3.1  A recurring theme in our evidence, both written and oral, has been to stress the need to maintain perspective. This applies equally to both those in support of identity cards and those who oppose. It is therefore disconcerting that public debates since the publication of the draft bill have frequently centred on over-simplistic arguments, for instance, as to whether identity cards will, or will not, defeat terrorism.

  3.2  We do not intend to repeat all the advantages to police officers from our previous written and oral evidence, however given the specious nature that has characterised some public debates, we would like to reiterate our views on a number of key issues:

3.2.1  Terrorism

  There is a danger that the advantages of identity cards vis-a"-vis fighting terrorism are undermined in the public's eyes due to the inaccurate and defunct platitudes repeated by some opposed to the cards. Supporters of identity cards have been repeatedly criticised for exaggerating the positive effects they will bring, yet this is an indisputable falsehood. As recognised in the consultation document, identity cards are not a panacea. Whilst they prevented neither 9-11 nor the Madrid bombings, it is equally pertinent that identity cards were a vital link in the Spanish police's investigation that successfully led to the suspects, thereby perhaps preventing further atrocities.

3.2.2  Stop and search

  To some, stop and search is synonymous with racism in the police service, and it is an issue with which the Police Federation takes very seriously. Unfortunately, the perceived injustices of stop and search are seen as a reason to oppose identity cards. We therefore believe it is vital that the following points are borne in mind:

    —  First and foremost, the Draft Identity Card Bill will not expand a police officer's powers to stop or search suspicious individuals[111].

    —  An individual in possession of an identity card stopped by police would be able to quicker satisfy the officer as to their identity, thereby speeding up the process.

    —  In many circumstances this would prevent the need for the individual to accompany the officer to the police station until their identity is ascertained, thus aiding the individual, the officer, and by extension, the public (as less police time would be wasted).

    —  Finally, the issue of identity cards with regard to racism is wholly tangential. Racism in the police, and within society as a whole, is a highly complex issue. Racist police officers could discriminate with or without identity cards, indeed monitoring of all stop and searches is in the process of being introduced and identity cards would aid this process. In reality, the cards would allow for easier monitoring of disproportionality and the background of those individuals stopped and searched. The solution for racism in public services such as the police will therefore be found elsewhere, in recruitment, working practices and diversity training. It will not hinge on a four by three inch card.

3.2.3  Multiplicity of benefits

  Identity cards have been promoted in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from combating terrorism (see 3.2.1) and people trafficking, to accessing public services and tackling identity fraud. Interest groups and government alike have variously championed these benefits but the response from some quarters, especially within sections of the media, has been scepticism due to a perception that the shift in justification for ID cards merely masks political opportunism. This perception should detract in no way from the overwhelming case for introducing identity cards. Indeed, the wide range of benefits they would bring should bolster, not diminish, the case for their introduction. It is therefore vital that these advantages are clearly and accurately communicated to the public so that they are made fully aware of the potential benefits to both themselves and the wider community.

3.2.4  Estimated cost

  A point frequently raised in response to support for identity cards amongst the police service, is how the estimated £3 billion could be spent elsewhere in the criminal justice system. It should be borne in mind that the oft-quoted opportunity cost figure of identity cards—an extra 60,000 police officers—is only based on a one year basis. Moreover, the issue of trade-offs totally misses an underlying issue: the absence of an identity card scheme is a significant encumbrance to all existing police officers.

4.  GENERAL SCOPE OF THE DRAFT IDENTITY CARD BILL

  4.1 By definition, the draft identity card bill is only a condensed version of a full bill. We look forward to the publication of a more detailed substantive bill and are happy to work with those drafting it.

  4.2 Listed below are a number of our initial thoughts following the publication of the draft bill.

Biometrics

  4.3  We fully support the proposal for identity cards to include a combination of two biometrics. We are satisfied that this will both ensure the prerequisite security for the individual and maintain the integrity of the system.

National Identity Scheme Commissioner

  4.4  We support the appointment of a Commissioner to review the use of powers by the Secretary of State under the Act. We hope the creation of an independent watchdog will assuage fears that some individuals may harbour over the handling of data.

Civil penalties

  4.5  In the event of identity cards becoming compulsory, we support the issue of the proposed limited £2,500 civil penalty to individuals failing to register. It should be noted that it would be a laborious task for the police to track down individuals refusing to pay fines or with invalid cards eg out of date.

  Disclosures

  4.6 It is essential that clear demarcation exist between those who have the right to ask to see identification and those who have the right to demand to see identification. Any resultant bill must ensure no confusion exists.

Conclusion

  5.1  Identity cards would in effect be a modern birth certificate, modernising working practices and helping to protect our security. There are compelling justifications for identity cards and the draft bill only strengthens our desire to see a more substantive bill introduced forthwith.

May 2004






109   Identity Cards: a Policing Perspective, January 2004. Back

110   Jan Berry, Chairman Police Federation of England and Wales uncorrected oral evidence to the HAC, 10 February 2004 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmhaff/uc130-iii/uc13002.htm Back

111   See paragraph 3.14 of Legislation on Identity Cards: A Consultation. Back


 
previous page contents next page

House of Commons home page Parliament home page House of Lords home page search page enquiries index

© Parliamentary copyright 2004
Prepared 30 July 2004