When HMRC refers a serious complaint that has been made against a member of HMRC staff to the IPCC, the IPCC will decide how the matter ought to be investigated.
An independent investigation is carried out by IPCC staff into incidents that cause:
The investigation team working on a case will try to find out what happened and why it happened. They will question witnesses, including HMRC staff, and look for evidence.
At the end of the investigation, when all the evidence has been gathered and reviewed, a senior investigator will prepare a report.
A managed investigation is carried out either by HMRC or by the police under the direction and control of the IPCC.
This occurs when an incident, complaint or allegation of misconduct is of such significance and probable public concern that the investigation needs to be run by the IPCC but does not need an independent investigation.
A supervised investigation is carried out either by HMRC or by the police and is overseen by the IPCC.
This occurs when the IPCC decides that an incident, complaint or allegation of misconduct is of less significance and probable public concern than for an independent or managed investigation but oversight by the IPCC is appropriate.
A local investigation is appropriate where the IPCC concludes that none of the factors identified in terms of the seriousness of the case or public interest exist and that HMRC has the resources and experience needed to carry out an investigation without external help.
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