Police Complaints Inspectorate
PCI
Summary
Five-member civilian-led body appointed by the Governor-General on ministerial advice (Fifth Schedule, para. 1). Members serve up to three years (para. 3) and may be removed for cause (para. 6). No current or former RBPF members within five years may serve (para. 1(c)). Functions limited to reviewing the internal Complaints and Corruption Branch's investigations to ensure impartiality and reporting to the Minister (s. 79). Powers extend only to requesting documents and summoning parties before it (s. 80); no subpoena power, no compel-testimony authority, no independent investigative function. Discipline remains wholly with the Commissioner. Funds appropriated by Parliament (Fifth Schedule, para. 8). Chronically under-resourced; positions are part-time.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 3 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Case-by-case |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | Executive review |
Statute
- Name
- Police Force Act
- Citation
- Ch. 205, ss. 78-80, Fifth Schedule (No. 3 of 2009, LRO 1/2017)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Reviews investigations by the Complaints and Corruption Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force; monitors impartiality of complaint handling; reports to the Minister responsible for police.