Complaint is of a serious nature as to render it necessary to consider whether or not, before a Magistrate, further action should be taken in cases where the evidence may not be sufficient to obtain a legal conviction, there is a presumption of a Constable's guilt?
The opinion of the Law Officer of the Crown has been given that in a case of law, the responsibility of the Captain Superintendent is to ensure that the instructions are carried out in accordance with that opinion. It is suggested that this should meet the case of the Police Constables who received bribes but against whom the evidence was not sufficient to obtain a conviction until he has inquired into the complaint.
There is no need to suppress a complaint by the public. Mr. Deane would not make a further inquiry had he obtained no conviction. The report was affected by his decision to hold a special inquiry through a committee.
The matter had been accusingly handled. It is pleaded however that in this particular case, a committee was thought necessary to investigate the matter, although it is not clear that the matter would not have been considered ended by the discharge of the Constable before the Magistrate. A report of the case is attached to GR1178/1922/32(III), and is reported in MW. Wodehouse's letter of 27 May 85 (Appendix), and reference is made to the origin of the appointment of the Committee.
Page CL-24
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thought the wee to investigate the matter, although it is not priti clear olah The would not have. Considered the matters ended by the dischaye of the Constable benight befor the magistrate. A refort of the case is attached to 12562, & dis reported and Ove in MW. Wode homme 17 letter of 27 May 85 Affendisa, & Refract which letter approf Lows He origin of the Appi of the Commatter. (ard) and 23/7 7.
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