ENG-2011 — Page 379

Public Order | 327

full support to the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) in performing its statutory functions under the IPCC Ordinance to review the investigation results.

During the year, CAPO received 2 771 reportable complaints, or 15.3 per cent less than that of 2010. Of the investigation results endorsed by the IPCC, 169 were classified as substantiated and disciplinary action was taken against the officers concerned.

The Police Force's Committee on Complaints Prevention, which was set up in May 2010, examines, formulates and co-ordinates complaints prevention strategies to enlist public support and ensure confidence in the

ensure confidence in the complaint handling

mechanism.

The IIO continued to promote the Police Force's 'Integrated Integrity Management Framework' which oversees all policies and issues related to police integrity and ethics and to ensure its effectiveness in reinforcing the Police Force's values of integrity and honesty. The behavioural guidelines were used in various education and culture building initiatives to enhance officers' awareness and acceptance.

The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC)

The IPCC is an independent body established, among other things, to:

observe, monitor and review the Police Force's handling and investigation of reportable complaints;

monitor actions taken or to be taken in respect of any member of the Police Force by the Commissioner of Police in connection with reportable complaints;

• identify any fault or deficiency in police practice or procedure that has led to or might lead to reportable complaints and make recommendations accordingly;

• advise the Commissioner of Police and/or the Chief Executive of its opinion and/or recommendation in connection with reportable complaints; and

• promote public awareness of the role of the council.

Its 24 members, all appointed by the Chief Executive, are drawn from a wide spectrum of society with diverse expertise. The council had 110 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.

During the year, IPCC scrutinised and endorsed the findings in 3 299 investigation reports on reportable complaints received in 2011 or those carried forward from previous years, involving a total of 6 744 allegations. Of these reports, 259 allegations were found substantiated, or partially substantiated, and the Police Force has taken appropriate action against the officers involved.