Police Complaints and the Complainants' Experience

Abstract

The current paper presents an analysis of the police complaints process, and includes results of empirical research conducted on behalf of the police between 1996 and 1997. The discussion centres on the position and experiences of police complainants, and the extent to which complainants are satisfied with the quality of service provided during, and the independence of, complaints investigations. The research findings suggest that a substantial proportion of complainants remain dissatisfied with key aspects of the police complaints process, including the length of time taken to resolve a complaint, the extent to which they are kept informed about their case, and the perceived independence (or otherwise) of investigation. Such findings seem to parallel those of other studies (such as Brown 1998, and Maguire and Corbett 1991). The Home Affairs Committee (1998) highlighted shortcomings in the police complaints and procedures. These changes are also discussed in the current analysis.

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