STAFF MANAGEMENT 2: Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents Flashcards
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) In relation to IPCA investigation categorisation the authority does what? (3)
- Categorises all complaints/notifiable incidents.
- Advises National Manager: Police Professional Conduct if evidence gained indicates the matter should be re-categorised and reaches agreement.
- May make a request for information to assist in categorising the matter.
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
Investigation categorisation. What are the 4 categories of investigations used by the IPCA?
- Serious Complaints - IPCA may conduct own investigation.
- Serious/Significant - IPCA will actively oversee the Police investigation.
- Matters appropriate for conciliation - referred to Police
- Minor Matters - NFA by IPCA
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
Action on complaints. When the Authority receives a complaint abut Police conduct, it may? (4)
- Independently investigate the complaint.
- Investigate where satisfied there are RG to investigate in the public interest, any notifiable incident.
- Oversee or review police investigations of complaints or notifiable incidents
- Take such action in respect of complaints, incidents or other matters allowed under the act.
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
MoU with the IPCA:
What is the common sense approach to determining if a matter needs to be referred to the IPCA under the MOU? (1)
- If the incident or matter will cause a loss in trust and confidence in the New Zealand Police.
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
MoU with the IPCA:
A common sense approach in determining if a matter should be referred to the Authority under the MoU is to consider if the incident or matter will cause loss in trust and confidence in the NZ Police. Outline 3 examples of this?
- Non injury pursuit that causes significant damage or is such significance or public interest that it places or is likely to place the Police reputation at risk.
- Cell block or other custody self harm attempt that does not result in serious injury, that is of such significance or public interest that it places or is likely to place the Police reputation at risk.
- Use of force that does not result in serious injury, that is of such significance or public interest that it places or is likely to place the Police reputation at risk.
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
Initial action on receiving a complaint:
What are the 3 principles when receiving a police complaint from a complainant?
The complainant must -
- Be treated with with courtesy, compassion and respect.
- Have their complaint received and actioned quickly.
- Be advised of procedure for actioning complaint.
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
Initial action on receiving a complaint.
If a matter is not a complaint but rather an expression of dissatisfaction, what should you do?
Make every effort, w/o delay, to resolve to the satisfaction of the inquirer by way of explanation.
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
Initial action on receiving a complaint. If a complaint is made orally, what should you do?
Receiving Officer to summarise it in writing OR ask the complainant to do so AND Get the complainant to sign it ASA practicable.
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
Initial action on receiving a complaint. If a person calls a Police station or Community policing centre, what should you do and what must you not do? (1 of each)
Do: -
Make every effort to speak to the complainant and record complaint in writing.
Don’t: -
Ask the complainant to return or call another day to deal with some other Police employee/section.
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
Initial action on receiving a complaint.
What should happen if the employee subject to the complaint is the only person available at the Police station? (2)
- Record the complainant’s details.
- Promptly submit a brief report as to circumstances to your District PCM, DC or National Manager who will arrange an independent employee to take the complaint.
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
Initial action on receiving a complaint.
What should you do if a complainant is unable or reluctant to call at a Police station to make a complaint? (1)
Advise complainant arrangements can be made for them to be interviewed elsewhere.
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
Initial action on receiving a complaint.
What should you do if the complainant wishes their complaint to be received and recorded in the presence of a solicitor, friend or relative?
You must facilitate that request.
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
Initial action on receiving a complaint.
- What initial actions should be done if a complaint is made on behalf of another person? (3)
- In the case where a solicitor makes a complaint on behalf of a client, what should you do? (1)
- See the actual complainant. Confirm the allegations. Confirm their wish for an investigation.
- Through the solicitor make arrangements for the clients interview.
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
Initial action on receiving a complaint.
What should you do if a complaint is made by a person in Police custody? (2)
- Ensure questioning of the complainant relates solely to the allegations. UNLESS
- Compelling reasons exist to the contrary, you should allow the accused person’s representative to be present during the interview.
Police investigations of complaints and notifiable incidents.
Initial action on receiving a complaint.
- District must notify complaints to who?
- Districts must not notify who?
- National Manager: Police Professional Conduct at PNHQ.
- The Authority directly.