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Public Order

Complaints and Internal Investigations

The Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch comprises the Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) and the Internal Investigations Office (IIO). Under the statutory two-tier police complaints handling system, the CAPO handles all complaints lodged by the public against the police and supports the Independent Police Complaints Council in performing its statutory functions. The CAPO received 2,275 reportable complaints in 2014, 13 per cent less than the five-year average of 2,620.

To maintain public confidence, the IIO continued to embed ethics and integrity in the police through education and culture building, governance and control, enforcement and deterrent, and rehabilitation and support.

Independent Police Complaints Council

The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) is an independent statutory 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. In addition, 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 the police in respect of reportable complaints on a pre-arranged or surprise basis, to ensure that investigations are conducted in a fair and impartial manner.

In 2014, the IPCC scrutinised and endorsed the findings in 2,385 investigation reports on reportable complaints received in 2014 or carried forward from previous years, involving a total of 4,224 allegations. Of these, 133 allegations were found substantiated or partially substantiated and the police force has taken appropriate action against the officers involved.

Correctional Services Department

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) runs a comprehensive range of programmes for adult and young persons in custody under two broad headings: prison management and rehabilitation of offenders.

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