To complain or not to complain: an interplay of perceptions between Independent Police Complaint Bodies and complainants

• In Event: Comparative Perspectives on Complaints against the Police

Abstract

This presentation examines the perceptions of complainants within police oversight organisations, which should play a crucial role in maintaining public confidence in law enforcement agencies. The legitimacy of these oversight mechanisms hinges on how accessible, supportive, and impactful they are perceived by the parties involved, including Independent Police Complaints Body staff, police officers, and complainants themselves.
Our research delves into the identity and perceptions of complainants by analysing findings from interviews with professionals directly engaged with complaint systems across five countries: Germany, France, UK, Japan, and Canada. Furthermore, we complement these qualitative insights with quantitative data sourced from publicly available resources for each jurisdiction.
By exploring these perceptions, we aim to shed light on the experiences and perspectives of complainants within the context of police oversight, offering valuable insights for enhancing the effectiveness and fairness of complaint mechanisms.

Author

• Vicky Hébert Brassard, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières