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was that the Police were corruptly involved. We suspect that many reports were less than altruistic and have had cases of informers who
are thought to be squeezing the criminals themselves. Naturally we have passed all such information to the Police, preserving anonymity when this has been requested.
70.
Requests for review of an adverse decision have been numerous. We try to see if there is any obvious policy objection and if not then the case is referred to a named officer
in the department concerned. In many cases a change has been made but more often it has been possible to get a fuller explanation of the adverse decision. A demonstration of concern is often well received even if the outcome is unfavourable. In many cases there can be no satisfactory outcome but an explanation or a chance to talk about the problem to someone outside the department concerned often helps the person to accept the adverse decision.
71.
In cases where departments are involved we could be, and sometimes are, told that the matter is none of our business or complaints are shrugged off. This is not always an unreasonable attitude and can only be countered by persistence and courtesy on the part of C.D.0. staff. There is room for improvement here for it is much easier to write a case off when it is put squarely in the hands of the appropriate department than to follow it through. We do ask departments to inform us of the outcome of appeals and complaints and we believe we should put ourselves in the place of the complainant in assessing how the outcome looks.
72.
I cannot say yet whether the taking up of reasonable cases has had any effect on the
/attitude
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