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Public Order

Independent Police Complaints Council

The IPCC is an independent statutory body with these key functions:

• To observe, monitor and review the police's handling and investigation of reportable complaints;

• To monitor actions taken or to be taken against any member of the police force by the Commissioner of Police in connection with reportable complaints;

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

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

• To promote public awareness of the role of the council.

Its 28 members, all appointed by the Chief Executive, are drawn from a wide spectrum of society with diverse expertise. The council also had 109 observers, all appointed by the Secretary for Security, at the year end. These observers, together with the council members, may attend interviews and observe the police's collection of evidence about reportable complaints on a prearranged or surprise basis, to ensure investigations are conducted fairly and impartially.

In 2016, the IPCC scrutinised and endorsed the findings in 1,415 investigation reports on reportable complaints received during the year or carried forward from previous years, involving 2,651 allegations. Of these, 89 allegations were found to be substantiated or partially substantiated and the police have 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.

As at 31 December 2016, the department was managing 29 correctional facilities of different security grading, with 6,632 staff looking after 8,611 persons in custody and 1,806 people under supervision after discharge. Offenders sentenced to imprisonment are assigned to correctional institutions according to their gender, age and security ratings. Separate institutions are provided for male and female adult and young persons in custody. Young offenders aged between 14 and 20 may be admitted to a training centre or rehabilitation centre. Males aged between 14 and 24 may undergo a detention centre programme. Drug addicts found guilty of an offence punishable by imprisonment may be placed in a drug addiction treatment centre.

All persons in custody receive proper care. Their diets follow approved scales of nutritional values with regard to their health, religious and dietary requirements. All convicted adults, unless certified physically unfit, are required to work six days a week. They are assigned to

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