Netherlands: an autonomous police investigation unit The National Police Internal Investigations Department (Rijksrecherche) is a specialised investigation unit of the Dutch police with responsibility for handling complaints about the conduct of the police and other public servants. The Police Act of 1993 governs the functions of the Rijksrecherche and recognises its staff as “special police officers”. It has a mandate to investigate specific complaints, including cases involving injury or death of an individual in prison or a police station or following the use of a firearm. In order to maintain independence from the Dutch National Police, the Department is under the authority of the Public Prosecution Service. Clear information on investigation procedures Some investigatory bodies have established clear procedures and guidelines to keep the relevant parties informed of progress and the outcome of an investigation. Sometimes this is a requirement set out in national legislation. Transparency and effective communication can help build confidence in the investigating body and State institutions generally. Canada: guidelines for information to give to complainants In the state of Ontario, Canada, the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) receives, manages and oversees all complaints about police. The OIPRD has established clear guidelines on its complaints handling process to help inform complainants. These guidelines state that the investigator is expected to tell the complainant: • How the complaint will be investigated • What cooperation is required from the complainant • How a decision will be reached • What action will be taken at the end of the investigation Where the OIPRD conducts its own investigation, a copy of the investigative report, along with the Director’s findings, are sent to the complainant and the chief of police at the end of the investigation. Jamaica: updates on status of investigations established in law The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is a Commission of Parliament established by the 2010 INDECOM Act. INDECOM is a civilian staffed state agency tasked to undertake investigations concerning actions by members of the Security Forces and other State agents that result in death or injury to persons or the abuse of the rights of persons; and for connected matters. The Act governing the mandate of INDECOM proscribes that during the course of an investigation INDECOM shall inform the complainant and the official concerned and members of the public about the status of the investigation at 60 day intervals. Reports on the investigation must be submitted to Parliament at six monthly intervals. TOOL: Complaints and investigations 10/17