11. E  nsure that independent, impartial and effective complaint mechanisms are in place; 12. Publish data on how many allegations of torture are made against public officials every year, in addition to data on prosecutions and convictions; 13. Make it a criminal offence for public officials, including law enforcement, intelligence and military officials, not to report the crime of torture where there is evidence to suggest that officials would have had reason to believe that acts of torture or other ill-treatment have occurred or are about to occur. They should also ensure a safe and conducive environment for reporting cases of torture and other ill-treatment for professionals in the security sector, victims, medical staff, human rights defenders and other actors;239 14. Implement as state policy to not prosecute persons who have alleged torture by public officials on “false denunciation” charges; 15. Establish or reinforce specialized units with sufficient resources to efficiently investigate and prosecute torture under domestic and universal jurisdiction;240 16. Ensure that, where no specialized independent body investigating allegations of torture or ill-treatment is available, the investigators are adequately equipped with the necessary powers and resources to carry out independent and effective investigations (guaranteeing functional and financial independence); and 17. Share promising practices of domestic prosecutions of torture and other ill-treatment within the OSCE region.241 Practical recommendations In order for torture allegations to be properly investigated and prosecuted, victims need to be empowered to report incidences of torture without fear of reprisal. It is recommended that states ensure, in particular, that: 18. A  ll professionals in the criminal justice system, including judges, prosecutors, investigative authorities and medical personnel, receive appropriate training (both initial and in-service) on the identification, reporting and prevention of torture and other ill-treatment, including training on the Istanbul Protocol; 239 Ibid., Recommendation 2. 240 Ibid., Recommendation 25. 241 Ibid., Recommendation 3. 64