Controlling the police? What are the Independent Police Complaint Bodies for?

• In Event: Comparative Perspectives on Complaints against the Police

Abstract

In recent years, many democracies have seen the development of independent police complaints bodies (IPCBs). Depending on the country, different IPCBs' models have been introduced into systems where other forms of control already existed: internal affairs within police forces, judicial control by magistrates, control by elected assemblies - particularly through parliamentary committees. This raises the question of the added value provided by these bodies. What are their precise objectives, and how do they fit in with those of other bodies? How do they manage to acquire legitimacy and concrete power to control the police? Do they succeed in establishing a balance between the advocates of giving the police the freedom they need to be as effective as possible, and those who defend human rights, fairness and impartiality?
Over and above theoretical approaches to these issues, we propose a pragmatic analysis, based on an in vivo study of five countries: the UK, Germany, France, Canada and Japan. What are the interests of stakeholders and where do they potentially conflict? How do the – often vague and open-ended - formulations of objectives reflect aspects that are politically controversial? How are overlaps with the remits and powers of other authorities and institutions articulated in the stated objectives?
This presentation will discuss these dilemmas and ambiguities, to clarify the points of contention and how these might be addressed.

Authors

• Anja Johansen, University of Dundee

• Christian Mouhanna, CNRS CESDIP