NCJ Number
89031
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 56 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1983) Pages: 174-182
Date Published
1983
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Although the British White Paper on Police Complaints Procedures recommends the oversight of an independent assessor in police investigations of serious complaints against the police, the police themselves are still essentially responsible for the investigation of complaints.
Abstract
The White Paper recommends the establishment of an independent assessor, whose function would be to ensure that the complaint investigations, which are conducted under his/her supervision, are performed 'expeditiously, thoroughly, and impartially.' Complaint action cannot be taken unless the assessor is satisfied with the investigation. A three-tier system is envisioned which would operate according to the seriousness of the complaint. Less serious complaints could be dealt with locally with informal procedures. More substantial complaints and those not resolved by the informal procedure would be the responsibility of the Police Complaints Board. The most serious complaints would be investigated by a senior police officer, preferably from an outside agency, under the supervision of an independent assessor. The White Paper has opted for the least radical option for changing police complaints procedures, and it is not likely to placate opponents of the present system, who wish to see the investigation of complaints against the police removed entirely from the hands of the police.