Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police

Summary

The Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police (IAIACAP) was established by Law 9(I)/2006 as a statutory independent body under Article 112 of the Constitution. Five members are appointed by the Council of Ministers for five-year terms. The Authority investigates signed complaints and can act ex officio; its investigative powers are equivalent to those conferred on police under criminal procedure law, giving it full access to evidence, records, and the ability to compel testimony. On completing an investigation, the Authority forwards its findings and recommendations to the Chief of Police, who decides any disciplinary sanction (reprimand or fine) — an advisory rather than binding role. In practice most investigators have been former police officers, a structural weakness noted by the CPT in 2018 and 2024 as undermining effective independence. The Authority produces public annual reports. It does not have jurisdiction over prisons or corrections.