Tips for Smart Cops Series
Starting from this issue, the Complaints and & Internal Investigations Branch runs a series on "Tips for Smart Cops". Officers may be well aware of the subjects covered by the tips, but the tips could serve as a reminder for their daily work.
Q: How should reports made to a Formation by an informant in person or by telephone, fax, email or letter be handled?
A: The reports should be entered without delay in the Communal Information System (CIS) as appropriate.
Q: What is the authorisation of the use of handcuff transport belts?
A: The use of handcuff transport belts should be authorised by an officer of the rank of SGT or above.
Q: What are the other procedures for the use of handcuff transport belts?
A: The authorisation and justification for the use of handcuff transport belts should be recorded in the officer's police notebook.
Q: Should a person in custody be allowed to make a telephone call?
A: Provided that no unreasonable delay or hindrance is likely to be caused to the processes of police investigation, a person in custody should be allowed to speak on the telephone to his friends or to consult and communicate with a solicitor or barrister in private.
Q: What special arrangement should be made when young persons under the age of 16 are to be interviewed?
A: As far as practicable, a young person under the age of 16 should be interviewed in the presence of a parent or guardian.
Q: Who is authorised to take statements from an officer subject to complaint investigations?
A: Statements should be taken by an officer senior to the officer subject to complaint.
