• supports the management process
  
  
• provides checks and balances
  
  
• facilitates informed operational and managerial decisions

The new management package incorporating this audit element should be operational within the financial year 2001-2002.

Maintaining discipline
Every effort is made to ensure that the behaviour and ethics of Police meet the highest standards. Any complaints or evidence of misdemeanours are rigorously pursued through the Branch's Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) and the Internal Investigations Office (IIO).

CAPO investigates all public complaints against members of the Force, including auxiliary police, traffic wardens and civilian staff. Such investigations are monitored by the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), an independent body that comprises non-police members appointed by the Chief Executive.

Impartiality
As a further means to ensure transparency and impartiality, a 'Lay Observer Scheme' has been established whereby observers attached to IPCC can be present during interviews of both complainers and the accused, sometimes without prior notification. During the year, the number of observers was increased to 57 so that they could also attend informal resolution cases and investigations carried out by District Commands into minor complaints. A further measure introduced in 2000 was the addition of video interview facilities in every CAPO office.

During the year, members of the public lodged 3 673 complaints against the Police, some 19 per cent more than in 1999. The vast majority related to 'neglect of duty' or 'misconduct and improper manner'. The IPCC endorsed 3 548 investigations, of which almost 40 per cent were classified as 'withdrawn' or 'not pursuable', and some 30 per cent were minor or trivial complaints settled by informal resolution. Of the complaints that were fully investigated, 13.8 per cent were substantiated, leading to 48 police officers being disciplined.

The IIO is primarily responsible for conducting supervisory accountability and related studies into the activities of police officers. It has a secondary role of investigating disciplinary breaches and other misconduct brought to light as a result of enquiries conducted by other government agencies. As a consequence, the IIO maintains liaison with other government departments, in particular the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).