Police forces promise “cultural change” as they respond to a critical report into the 1989 disaster.
Police forces have apologised for “profound failings” which have “continued to blight” relatives of victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
On behalf of all 43 forces, police chiefs have promised “cultural change”.
They admitted “policing got it badly wrong” in the aftermath of the fatal stadium disaster and a range of key lessons had been learned.
Ninety-seven Liverpool supporters died as a result of a crush at Sheffield’s Hillsborough ground in April 1989.
The National Police Chiefs Council and the College of Policing published a joint response to a report published in 2017, which consulted the families.
It is the first reply from a major public body to the report, published by former Liverpool Bishop James Jones.
The 117-page report was commissioned by Theresa May when she was Home Secretary.
‘Pan and suffering’
Bishop Jones said “a change in attitude” was needed to ensure the “pain and suffering” of the families – who spent decades fighting for justice – was not repeated.
He also called for a charter for bereaved families, the right to publicly-funded legal representation and a “duty of candour” for police officers, amid a series of other recommendations.
In response, Ch Con Andy Marsh, from the College of Policing, said: “For what happened, as a senior policing leader, I profoundly apologise. Policing got it badly wrong.”
The National Police Chiefs Council (NCPP) and College of Policing said the code of ethics used by forces will be reviewed, with a duty of candour becoming a key theme.
Image source, Hillsborough Inquests
Ch Con Marsh, who is from Liverpool, said: “What we’re talking about is cultural change and cultural change takes a long time, but my goodness we have started.”
He said new police recruits will study the report into the experiences of the Hillsborough families.
There have previously been calls for a Hillsborough Law, which would help victims of future disasters and atrocities.
NPCC chairman Martin Hewitt said legislation was a matter for parliament.
He said: “What we have really focused on is doing that which is really within our power.
“The issue of candour is very clear within the charter for bereaved families and it will be incorporated explicitly in the review of the code of ethics.”
Mr Marsh added: “We have been robust as possible and it’s for Parliament to make any legislation that they feel is necessary.”
