IPCC Investigations

The IPCC has teams of investigators headed by Regional Directors in each of its regions, to assist with supervision and management of some police investigations. They also carry out independent investigations into serious incidents or allegations of misconduct by persons serving with the police.

Serious incidents are those involving death or serious injury. Serious allegations include:

  • allegations of serious or organised corruption
  • allegations against senior officers
  • allegations involving racism
  • allegations of perverting the course of justice

The IPCC is charged with increasing the efficiency of complaints handling. Investigations in particular can be time consuming, and where the IPCC will be involved in supervising, managing and independently investigating it will:

  • Ensure that the initial terms of reference for the investigation are clearly defined
  • Constantly review investigations to ensure they remain focussed
  • Maximise the value of independent oversight to reach evidenced conclusions as soon as practicable
  • Adopt a flexible approach to allow the mode of investigation to change as appropriate (e.g. an investigation may start off locally but escalate to a supervised, managed, or IPCC investigation if circumstances warrant it)
  • Be totally independent and consider the needs and positions of all throughout the process
  • In the absence of a public complaint, and where appropriate, investigate the incident and not necessarily the people concerned

IPCC investigations will be fair and proportionate searches for the truth, conducted with due regard for all parties concerned.

If your complaint is being investigated by the IPCC, you will be provided with more information about this process by the IPCC at the start of the investigation.

Deciding on the mode of investigation

The Police Reform Act (2002) states (Schedule 3, paragraph 15(2) ) that it is the duty of the Commission to determine the form which the investigation should take when a complaint or recordable conduct matter is referred to it. Paragraph 15(3) states that in making the determination the Commission shall have regard to (a) the seriousness of the case and (b) the public interest.

Related Topics

Themes in IPCC Work:

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