Independent Police Complaints Board
IPCB
Summary
The IPCB is a non-departmental civilian oversight body established under s.158 of the 1991 Constitution via the IPCB Regulations 2013. It independently receives and investigates complaints against Sierra Leone Police personnel, including deaths in custody, UOF incidents, and misconduct. Upon completing an investigation it forwards findings and recommendations to the Inspector General of Police (for discipline) and the DPP (for criminal prosecution) — it cannot itself impose discipline. Board members are civilians; statute is silent on police exclusion but the body is described as an independent civilian mechanism. Evidence access is informal (no statutory subpoena power); the board relies on police cooperation. Annual reports are submitted to Parliament.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | At will (weak protection) |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Independent Police Complaints Board Regulations, 2013 (under Constitution of Sierra Leone 1991 s.158)
- Citation
- Constitution of Sierra Leone, Act No. 6 of 1991, s.158; IPCB Regulations 2013
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Sierra Leone Police Force (national police service); investigates complaints including deaths in custody, use of force incidents, and police misconduct.