Familiarisation briefing for IPCC Observers
To provide a guide to Observers of Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) and to facilitate their effective observation of the Police's interview and collection of evidence in complaint investigations, a familiarisation briefing for the Observers was arranged by Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) at Police Headquarters on August 29.
Thirty-two Observers and four IPCC members, Dr Lui Ming-wah, Dr Lawrence Lam Chi-kit, Mr Wong Kwok-yan and Mr Clement Tao Kwok-lau, accompanied by IPCC Secretary, Mrs Philomena Leung, attended the briefing. They were met by Acting Director of Management Services Ma Wai-luk, Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch Chief Superintendent Fan Sik-ming and CAPO Acting Senior Superintendent Cheung Kin-kwong.
In his opening address, Mr Ma said, "IPCC Observers Scheme is instrumental in maintaining a transparent, fair and impartial complaint investigation mechanism. By introducing complaint investigation procedures such as statement taking or scene visit to Observers, we hope to help them execute their duties more effectively."
The briefing was followed by visits to the Report Room of Central Police Station and the CAPO Reporting Centre at Caine House where they were briefed on the daily operations there.
During the briefing and the visits, IPCC members, Observers and CAPO officers frankly exchanged their experience in conducting observations.
The Observers being briefed on the operation of the CAPO Reporting Centre
Acting Director of Management Services Ma Wai-luk having an exchange of views with IPCC Observers