A MAJOR shift is looming over how the police should be held accountable as growing public pressure and unexpected support from within the ranks of the force add momentum to calls for the establishment of an independent complaints body.
As the review of the Police Act of 1965 continues, the idea of replacing the internal police tribunal system with a civilian-led mechanism is gaining traction.
Currently, complaints against police officers are handled by fellow officers under Section 32 of the Act, a process many believe lacks transparency and independence.
The consultant on the review of the Act, David Solvalu, said the public has been voicing serious concerns about how police misconduct is dealt with.
“They say complaints take too long, they never hear back, and they don’t trust the process,” Mr Solvalu said.
In what may be a surprise to some, the call for external oversight isn’t just coming from the public.
Mr Solvalu said even members of the force have expressed interest in shifting away from internal reviews.
“The idea of a civilian-led mechanism is no longer just a public demand, even the police see value in it,” he said.
Mr Solvalu said the team is seriously considering a new model for oversight, one that brings independence, transparency and accountability into the heart of police reforms.
“A modern police force needs a modern system of accountability, and that’s exactly what people are asking for.”