§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many hours were spent in 514W investigating complaints against the police and at what total cost during the past year; and if he will review the complaints procedure with a view to improving the system.
§ Mr. AlisonDuring 1980 a total of 2,077 complaints were made by members of the public against the police under section 13(1) of the Police Act (Northern Ireland) 1970. It is not possible without disproportionate cost to calculate either the total number of hours spent on investigating complaints or the total costs involved.
During 1980 the Royal Ulster Constabulary complaints and discipline department was inspected by one of Her Majesty's inspectors of constabulary. His recommendations have been accepted by the chief constable and are being implemented in so far as they relate to the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
The Home Secretary is currently considering a recommendation by the Police Complaints Board for England and Wales that there be an independent element in the investigation of complaints of serious injury. The Secretary of State will consider whether and how any proposals the Home Secretary may make for modifying the complaints system should be implemented in Northern Ireland.