Tell public more, review of internal police investigations says
The public should be told more details about police misconduct a major review of internal investigations has found among dozens of other recommendations.
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An independent review of the legislation surrounding internal police investigations and complaints has made dozens of recommendations, including that more information on proven cases of misconduct be provided to the public.
The review of the Police Complaints and Discipline Act, conducted by retired District Court judge Gordon Barrett, also recommends giving the Office for Public Integrity power to refer matters to SAPOL’s Internal Investigation Service and giving the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption the power to report to Parliament on its oversight of police complaints.
It also recommends establishing a shorter, less formal pre-trial disciplinary process.
In its submission, The Advertiser suggested Section 46 of the PCD Act, which deals with the secrecy of all internal police investigations, be repealed or that a public statement be made upon finalisation of matters where guilt is determined.
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Judge Barrett recommends that the Police Commissioner must release a public statement outlining details of an officer’s proved or admitted misconduct, but the officer would not be identified by name.
Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said the recommendations had taken the views of all stakeholders into account.
She said the State Government would respond to the review “in due course”.