NCJ Number
184984
Editor(s)
Carole F. Willis
Date Published
2000
Length
139 pages
Annotation
This study investigates the feasibility of an independent system for investigating complaints against the police.
Abstract
In 1984 the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) was established to increase independent oversight of investigations into complaints against the police. A key concern was, and continues to be, the principle and practice of the police investigating themselves. This study proposes the establishment of a new body to succeed the PCA, the Independent Agency for Complaints Against the Police (IACP). The new system offers independence; fairness to both police and public; a focus on effective outcomes; a proactive role for the IACP; overall ownership by the IACP of responsibility for the effectiveness of the process; a commitment to open and proactive communication with complainants and officers against whom allegations have been made; accessibility to and for the diverse range of customers in the public and police; flexibility of response under a range of circumstances; effective use of knowledge gained; and a grounding in the communities the police serve. The report makes specific proposals in the areas of access, recording and sift, investigation and discipline, supervision and monitoring, continuous improvement, public relations and community outreach, and regionalization. Tables, figures, references, appendixes