NCJ Number
106304
Journal
Policing Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1986) Pages: 283-293
Date Published
1986
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article examines the differences between the operation of the Police Complaints Board (PCB), established by the British 1976 Police Act and abolished by the 1984 Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), and the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) established by PACE.
Abstract
The PCB had no say in the action to be taken on a complaint against the police until the investigation was complete and the deputy chief constable of the force had made his proposals as to how the matter should be addressed. If the PCB could not reach an agreement with the deputy chief constable as to the action to be taken, the PCB could direct that the complaint be heard by a tribunal of a chief officer and two members of the PCB. Under the PCA system, a complaint must be reported to the PCA within 24 hours of its being lodged, and the investigation, which is conducted by the police, is under the supervision of a PCA member. The PCA must approve the appointment of the investigating officer. The PCA determines whether the investigation has been properly conducted and determines any disciplinary sanctions after recommendations by the deputy chief constable. Decisions on criminal matters are made by the prosecutor. 31 references.