NCJ Number
177948
Journal
International Journal of Police Science & Management Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: March 1999 Pages: 390-402
Date Published
1999
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper looks at the implications of Northern Ireland's Police Act of 1998 for police complaint procedures; the act establishes independent civilian investigation of complaints against the police under an ombudsman.
Abstract
The paper considers the problems surrounding police complaint investigations and concludes the move toward shared investigation or civilian investigation of serious complaints against the police has become much more likely. This is in part due to the nature of evidence given to a recent inquiry into police discipline and complaints by the Home Affairs Committee. The evidence suggests it is not likely police officials can act independently and objectively in investigating fellow police officers. The author believes the Northern Ireland Ombudsman, with civilian investigators given powers and privileges of constables, may provide a useful example for future reform of complaint mechanisms in the United Kingdom. 12 references