Police Complaints Authority

Summary

The Police Complaints Authority was established by the Police Complaints Authority Act Chap. 15:05 (Act No. 17 of 2006) as the statutory civilian oversight body for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. The Authority is headed by a Chairman who must be a retired judge or a legal practitioner of at least ten years' standing, appointed by the President acting on the advice of the Prime Minister after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. Members include civilians appointed by a bipartisan process, ensuring a civilian-majority composition. The PCA receives complaints from members of the public and independently investigates misconduct, abuse of authority, excessive use of force, and officer-involved deaths, separate from TTPS internal affairs. It has statutory powers to compel production of documents and testimony. Findings and recommendations — including disciplinary recommendations — are forwarded to the Commissioner of Police and the Minister of National Security, who retain final disciplinary authority. The PCA submits annual reports to Parliament.