President, on behalf of the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), I present its fourth Report since its incorporation in 2009. This Report covers the financial year ending 31 March 2013.
In the year 2012-2013, the IPCC scrutinized and endorsed the findings of 2 489 complaint cases involving 4 884 allegations, a decrease of 20.9% and 21.7% respectively over the previous year. During this period, the three most common allegations were “Neglect of Duty” (with 2 317 counts), “Misconduct/Improper Manner/Offensive Language” (with 1 789 counts) and “Assault” (with 323 counts). These three types of allegations accounted for 90.7% of all allegations made in 2012-2013.
In 2012-2013, 1 507 allegations were fully investigated. Of these, 101 were classified as “Substantiated”; 61 “Substantiated Other Than Reported”; 29 “Not Fully Substantiated”; 630 “Unsubstantiated”; 81 “False” and 605 “No Fault”. These figures also include 166 allegations of which classification was changed from that earlier conducted by the police following queries raised by IPCC. In 2012-2013, IPCC has raised a total of 938 query points and suggestions in respect of the cases endorsed. Out of these query points, the police accepted 468 of them.
Under the Observers Scheme, 2 012 observations were conducted in 2012-2013, a decrease of 0.4% over the previous year. During the reporting period, the IPCC has also interviewed two persons to seek clarification from them on matters relating to the investigation reports.
In addition to the usual work of monitoring complaint investigations carried out by the Complaints Against Police Office, the IPCC has strengthened the liaison with the police and other stakeholders on issues of significant public interest. Its aim is to act as a bridge between the police and all stakeholders, to provide a platform for the exchange of views and to foster better understanding between everyone concerned.
President, on behalf of the IPCC, I wish to take the opportunity of tabling this Report in this Council to thank this Council and other stakeholders for their support of the IPCC’s work.
President, I so submit.