Hong Kong has adopted a two-tier police complaints system. Regardless of their origin, all complaints against the Police are referred to the Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) of the Hong Kong Police Force for handling and investigation. This is the first tier of the system.
When CAPO has completed the investigation of a Reportable Complaint, it will submit the investigation report, together with relevant files, documents and materials, to the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) for scrutiny.
If any doubt arises during its review of the investigation report and other materials, the IPCC will ask CAPO for clarification or further information. If the IPCC finds the investigation inadequate, it will request that the case be further investigated. Only when the IPCC completely agrees that the complaint has been properly handled will it endorse the investigation report. This is the second tier of the police complaints system.
The advantage of the two-tier system is that it ensures the fair and just handling of complaints against the Police. As an independent body, the IPCC can objectively observe, monitor and review the handling and investigation of Reportable Complaints by the Commissioner of Police, and put forward opinions and recommendations regarding such complaints to the Commissioner of Police and the Chief Executive.
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