PUBLIC ORDER
The Performance Review Branch will develop a customer-focused strategy to improve the Force's service to the community. The document which underpins this strategy is the Vision and Statement of Common Purpose and Values launched in December 1996. Last year, the Force underwent a cascading process of discussion. groups involving each member of the Force in identifying barriers to living up to the
values.
The Research and Inspections Branch monitors inspections within police formations and conducts thematic studies throughout the Force. It aims to develop an effective, efficient and economic service which meets the needs of the public. It has now included Value for Money studies which will further improve service to the public. It carries out research into a variety of issues that may have an impact on strategic planning and on Force policy.
The Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch comprises the Complaints Against Police Office and the Internal Investigations Office. The branch investigates complaints against Police officers, including civilian staff and auxiliary Police officers, investigates serious disciplinary cases and conducts supervisory accountability studies.
Complaints Against Police
The Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) investigates all complaints from the public concerning the conduct and behaviour of members of the Force. The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), which is an independent body comprising non-official members, is appointed to monitor and review the investigation of complaints against the Force.
In 1997, 2939 complaints were received. This represented a decrease of 370 cases, or 11.2 per cent compared with 1996. Over 95.8 per cent of complaints in 1997 came from people either involved with, or subject to, constabulary action. Complaints of assault, neglect of duty and conduct or manner made up the majority of cases, or 75 per cent of total complaints. Investigations into 3 006 cases were completed and endorsed by the IPCC. The substantiation rate for complaints fully investigated was 13.5 per cent. In all, 1 467 cases were classified as Withdrawn or Not Pursuable, representing 48.8 per cent of the total. Altogether, 806 cases or 26.8 per cent of all complaints were dealt with through an Informal Resolution Scheme. A total of 28 Police officers were disciplined and 18 charged with offences resulting from the complaints.
CAPO is also responsible for advising Force members on how complaints can be prevented. Throughout the year, lectures and seminars on complaint prevention were organised for Junior Police Officers. A Complaint Prevention Committee, made up of various ranks in the Force, was formed in 1992 to recommend on how preventable complaints may be reduced and how its recommendations may best be implemented. In close consultation with the IPCC, CAPO introduced a range of measures to further enhance the transparency and fairness of the existing complaints system. These included the installation of closed circuit television, video or tape-recording facilities in CAPO report rooms, as well as interview rooms; a scheme for IPCC members to interview witnesses; a scheme for IPCC members to observe CAPO investigations and enhanced publicity on the monitoring role of IPCC. A complaint
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