CAT/OP/BRA/3 investigation and sensitization on racial discrimination. A culture of racial tolerance should be promoted throughout the police force; (b) Implementation of bill No. 4472/12, if approved. This pending bill requires a prompt and documented investigation whenever an individual is killed by a State agent. In any case, the Subcommittee strongly recommends immediate implementation of internal review procedures to ensure consistent investigation of allegations of ill-treatment and torture by police officers, appropriate disciplinary measures or criminal prosecution when investigations reveal such acts, and redress for victim; (c) Allocation of sufficient funds to ensure that the police force is adequately staffed by well-motivated individuals who receive appropriate salaries (as recommended in the Subcommittee’s 2012 report); (d) Implementation of a rigorous oversight and accountability procedure for private companies involved in the administration of police duties. 2. Detection of torture by forensic medical staff 20. The Subcommittee considers that torture and ill-treatment by police are not detected by employees of forensic medical institutes, where detainees are examined for signs of torture. Upon visiting forensic medical institutes in the States of Amazonas and Rio de Janeiro, the Subcommittee observed that examinations were performed in a perfunctory and ineffective manner, and detainees were not questioned about the cause of their injuries or the way in which they were treated by the police officers who had arrested them. Despite the State party’s effort to implement a training programme on the Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (the Istanbul Protocol), staff at the forensic medical institutes had not heard of this instrument. Disregard of obvious signs of abuse as well as fear of reprisals discourage reporting by victims. The absence of an effort to identify and investigate torture by police authorities amounts to impunity, and perpetuates a cycle of torture and illtreatment. 21. The Subcommittee remains seriously concerned at the lack of independence of forensic medical institutes which, in many states, are subordinated to the administrative authority of the police or public security secretariats. This relationship not only compromises the autonomy of forensic physicians but may also deter victims of torture by police officers from filing complaints. Despite the recommendations made on this issue by the Subcommittee in its 2012 report, there have been no major efforts to change this administrative structure. In response to its queries, the Subcommittee was not informed of any cases that had been initiated by a forensic physician regarding ill-treatment by police officers. On the contrary, the Subcommittee observed that the methodology of practitioners in the facility it visited avoided any technical observations that could indicate a need to investigate potential torture or ill-treatment. Moreover, the Subcommittee witnessed forensic examinations accompanied by aggressive, police-style interrogation and intimidation. These observations confirmed to the Subcommittee the importance of ensuring the institutional independence of forensic medical institutes. 22. The Subcommittee recalls the State party’s obligations under articles 12 and 13 of the Convention, which require a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation by competent authorities when there is reasonable ground to believe that an act of torture has been committed. The Subcommittee recommends that: (a) All forensic medical institute staff in contact with detainees should undergo training on the Istanbul Protocol; 6

Select target paragraph3