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The improvement measures are summarised as follows -
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
to address the concern that some complaints may have taken considerable time to complete, CAPO will set time limits on handling complaints. These include contacting a complainant within two working days, providing progress report to the complainant every two months, aiming to complete investigation of complaint cases within four months - it will, of course, be shorter in practice if the case is less complicated;
to enhance transparency of the system, IPCC will open part of its meetings to the public; complainants will be given more details of the investigation results; and leaflets on Police complaints investigation procedures and the monitoring procedures of IPCC will be made available at all police stations and District Offices for distribution. On top of these, we intend to allocate three million dollars to IPCC Secretariat to launch publicity programmes over a three year period;
to ensure serious cases will receive adequate attention in the complaints system, the IPCC will set up a special panel to monitor serious cases, after which it will submit its findings in a special report to the Governor;
to enhance the capability of the IPCC, one additional Vice-chairman and three additional members will be appointed. Besides, one more vetting team will be provided;
to prevent any "tipping-off" to officers being complained, CAPO procedures will be tightened up to make this a disciplinary offence; and
to gauge public opinion towards the overall performance of the Force including the Police complaints system, regular surveys and researches will be conducted.
Mr President, I believe that by enacting the Bill and implementing the above package of improvement measures, we would make the system more transparent and credible. It will enhance the public awareness of and confidence in the existing Police complaints system.
Thank you, Mr President.
End