investigation of a complaint in order to safeguard his/her legitimate interests. Collectively and suitably enforced, these principles should ensure public confidence in the policing and wider criminal justice systems. 3.3 Recommendations According to the UN Code of conduct for Law Enforcement Officials ‘every law enforcement agency should be representative of and responsive and accountable to the community as a whole’28. Regardless of the state, police behaviours and subsequent complaint procedures, serve as illustrations of police-community relationships, accountability and the overall legitimacy of the state. The police must be accountable to the law in the same as the public, and therefore citizen oversight of the criminal justice system is a crucial component in this pursuit. Although this literature review did not critically evaluate each of the oversight mechanisms, it did become apparent that those states, which had more robust mechanisms, were those, which exercised strong public oversight, through their adherence to ECHR principles and guidelines. Therefore, it may be beneficial for states that are considering a regulatory framework for police oversight to consider the following: 1. An opportunity for a public consultation along with a series of consultative events with NGOs, academics and international practitioners 2. The development of any police accountability system must ensure a comprehensive review that includes specific legislation that focuses on police powers and complaints procedures 3. It is apparent that any form of civilian oversight should have a senior structure (board) that is broadly representative of the entire community and should be balanced geographically and demographically, and with respect to the stakeholders of the police oversight process. The Board should also have a broad range of skills, backgrounds and experience 4. The process should also include the development of police training programmes manuals and standards for current and trainee officers; 28 UN, 1979. Resolution 169 of the 34th session of the general assembly, 34/169, Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials 71