Date: 20th April 2026
No:34/2026
Commissioner of Police Owain Richards MSt, participated at the third meeting of the Police Governance Reform Steering Group held on Thursday 16th April 2026.
The Steering Group, co-chaired by His Excellency the Governor and the Chief Minister, met to review progress on the implementation of the McGrail Inquiry Report’s recommendations.
The meeting also discussed wider issues relating to the longer-term reform of the Governance of the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP), and heard from His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) Lee Freeman KPM, regarding the work currently being undertaken in the UK on the reform of governance of UK police forces.
Commissioner Richards said, “In line with my responsibilities for operational policing and internal governance of the RGP, I updated the Steering Group on the significant progress already delivered in implementing the McGrail Inquiry recommendations that fall within the direct control of the RGP. This includes strengthened internal governance, enhanced senior officer oversight, and revised search warrant application processes to improve legal robustness and consistency.
“I also briefed the Steering Group on progress against recommendations requiring partnership working with organisations such as the Office of Criminal Prosecutions and Litigation. This includes ongoing collaborative work to deliver procedural change and judicial reform, alongside the recruitment currently under way to strengthen the RGP’s digital forensic investigation capability, in response to the growing complexity of digital evidence.
“Finally, I provided the Steering Group with an overview of the RGP’s discussions with His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, Lee Freeman KPM, who himself addressed the Steering Group, supporting my aim of ensuring the RGP operates in line with the highest standards of contemporary policing and organisational best practice.”
The learning identified by the RGP in the lead up to, as well as during the main Inquiry hearing, has already been implemented. The various Inquiry Report's recommendations will help embed lasting positive change across our organisation, and we wish to reassure our community that our commitment is to continuously learn, improve, and ensure that the trust placed in the RGP by the community we serve is further strengthened.
Commissioner Richards added, “The RGP has prioritised delivery of the Inquiry Report recommendations as part of a wider programme of transformational change, including the introduction of new Conduct and Performance Regulations to strengthen accountability and professional standards. This work has been progressed alongside enhanced engagement with our officers and staff, improved internal governance and significant planning and advisory work ahead of the EU-UK Treaty implementation.
“I am pleased with the RGP’s progress thus far, and I remain committed to community safety, investing in our workforce and strengthening our partnerships, to ensure the RGP is prepared for the demands of modern policing. It has been a very busy year, and I am grateful for the continued dedication and professionalism demonstrated by our officers and staff every day in keeping our community safe.”