Biuro Spraw Wewnętrznych Policji
BSWP
Summary
The Biuro Spraw Wewnętrznych Policji (Bureau of Internal Affairs of the Police, BSWP) is established under Art. 5b of the Police Act of 6 April 1990. Its Commander is appointed and dismissed directly by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration — not by the Chief Commander of Police — giving it structural independence from the command chain it investigates. BSWP detects, prevents, and investigates crimes committed by police officers and employees nationwide, and refers findings to the public prosecutor. It has full access to police systems and evidence as an organic police unit. All officers are sworn; there is no civilian composition requirement. BSWP does not itself issue discipline; it investigates and refers to prosecutors and, where appropriate, internal disciplinary proceedings.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | At will (weak protection) |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | Executive review |
Statute
- Name
- Ustawa z dnia 6 kwietnia 1990 r. o Policji
- Citation
- Art. 5b, Ustawa o Policji (Dz.U. 1990 Nr 30 poz. 179 as amended)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Nationwide investigation and prosecution of crimes committed by police officers and police employees; also investigates economic crimes against the Police (Penal Code Arts. 296-306).