Five year legislative review
1. A Police Ombudsman Act
| What is the current position? |
There are multiple legal instruments relating to the Police Ombudsman’s functions. |
| What we propose |
We believe Police Ombudsman legislation should be consolidated into a single Police Ombudsman Act. |
| Why is it important? |
The current legislative framework is complex and challenging for those making complaints, as well as for our staff who investigate complaints and must interpret and apply the law to the facts of a case. We also believe that it is inappropriate that police complaints regulations in Northern Ireland continue to refer to the RUC, which has not existed since 2001. A new Act would be foundation legislation providing for further amendment and the ability to make supporting regulations. |