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During the year, the Police Force conducted a customer service satisfaction survey and a public opinion survey. The results reflected a very high level of satisfaction among the respondents of their interaction with the Police Force as well as a very high level of confidence in the Police service.
Complaints and Internal Investigations
The Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch comprises the Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) and the Internal Investigations Office.
Complaints lodged by the public against members of the Police Force are handled by CAPO, which is committed to ensuring that every complaint is impartially. and thoroughly investigated prior to subsequent examination and review by the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC). In 2008, this two-tier Police complaint system was codified and reinforced by the enactment of the Independent Police Complaints Council Ordinance. Together with the IPCC, CAPO took steps to facilitate the commencement of the Ordinance at an early date. It will continue its efforts in maintaining the integrity of, and public confidence in, the Police complaint system.
In 2008, CAPO received 2 714 reportable complaints, an increase of 7.4 per cent compared to 2007. In the same period, IPCC endorsed the investigation results of 2 572 cases. Of those cases, 46 were substantiated and disciplinary action was taken against the officers involved. CAPO and the Complaints Prevention Committee will continue to explore ways to prevent complaints in the coming year.
The Internal Investigations Office is primarily responsible for devising and implementing the Police Force's integrity management programme. Among its many initiatives, the office has introduced in the Police intranet a new webpage called 'Ethics Corner', which provides one-stop information on all matters related to integrity and ethics within the Police Force.
Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC)
The IPCC is an independent body established to observe, monitor and review the Police Force's handling and investigation of reportable complaints. Its 18 members, all appointed by the Chief Executive, are drawn from a wide spectrum of society with diverse expertise. The council had 84 lay observers at year-end. These observers, as well as the council members, may attend interviews and observe the collection of evidence conducted by Police formations in respect of reportable complaints on a pre-arranged or surprise basis, to ensure that investigations are conducted in a fair and impartial manner.
The IPCC Ordinance enacted in July 2008 puts the IPCC on a statutory basis while maintaining the existing two-tier police complaints system. The ordinance sets out clearly the powers, functions and duties of the IPCC under the Police complaints system. It also stipulates the obligation of the Police to provide assistance to the IPCC in various aspects and to comply with other requirements made by the IPCC under the Ordinance. The enactment of the IPCC Ordinance is conducive to
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