Restoring public confidence in the Ministry of Police and Prisons is a priority for the newly appointed Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo.
In doing so, he will be proposing to Cabinet to establish the Independent Police Complaint Commission (IPCC) that will deal with public complaints against members of the Police force.
In an interview with Radio Polynesia today, Auapa’au said this initiative will not only strengthen the Ministry’s mandated duties but also restore the public’s confidence in the Ministry.
Adding the independent body will be made up of members of the public and it may include retired police officers.
He assured the IPCC objectivities will not duplicate the duties and mandates of the Professional Standard Unit as cases referred to the Commission will depend on the gravity of the complaint.
“The issue at hand seeks to eliminate impartiality. In my many years in service, I have dealt with a number of complaints against Police Officers.
“And the public’s concerns most of the time is that the Professional Standard Unit is made up of Police Officers and the public are hesitant to lodge complaints and questions the impartiality of the PSU,” he said.
In the meantime, the new Commissioner urges the public to write into the Commissioner’s office if there are complaints and they are reluctant to lodge a complaint with the Professional Standard Unit.
