The councils provide a valuable forum for a free exchange of views on matters pertaining to conditions of service – for example, topics discussed during the year included various aspects of housing, working hours and shift systems, pro- motion processes and retirement ages.
Complaints
Complaints made against police officers are investigated by a central Complaints Office headed by a superintendent and under the overall direction of the Commander/Personnel at Police Headquarters. The aim is to conduct an impartial and thorough investigation of all complaints in the interests of the community, efficiency of the Force and, equally important, the officer himself.
During the year 1,030 complaints against police were investigated. This figure is an increase of 216 over 1975. Of the total, 105 were found to be wholly or partially sub- stantiated, compared with 55 in 1975. The majority of complaints were of a minor nature, such as impoliteness. Nearly one third alleged assault or threatened assault. Other causes for complaint were excessive use of authority and neglect of duty.
The increase over 1975 does not represent a deterioration in the conduct of officers in dealing with members of the public. It reflects, firstly, the community's increased con- fidence in the methods of investigation into complaints; and, secondly, greater police activity in the field of preven- tive policing and enforcement of traffic laws and regulations, including fixed penalty offences. The fact that the ratio of complaints arising from the latter two areas is far higher
than from other police work is an indication of more activity in these areas, which in any case are more prone to com- plaints. Emphasis continued to be placed on training officers to improve their conduct in their dealings with the community.
There is a system for following up any factors arising from complaints which highlight possible deficiencies in police procedures. Thus, lessons learned from investigations are subjected to further study to facilitate remedial action where appropriate.
At the end of the year plans had been finalised to restruc- ture the Complaints Office following a review of its organisation and level of success since its formation in 1973. The central unit is to be retained to investigate all but the most minor cases, responsibility for which will be decen- tralised to districts. There will be representation from the Legal Department and a more thorough analysis of the results of complaints to enhance the review system already in being.
Discipline
The aim is to maintain the high level of discipline essential to the police role while, at the same time, adopting a more humane and realistic approach to enforcement in the inter- ests of the individual and general morale.
During the year 516 disciplinary offences were reported, most of which were of a minor nature; this compares with 480 during 1975. Of the total, 508 concerned Rank and File and eight the inspectorate.
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