There were around 60 outstanding complaints against the Police lodged with the Police Complaints Authority last month.

However Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister said it was down from 100 two months previously and that the backlog was being addressed. New Police Complaints Authority (PCA) Chairperson Arlene Brock has been given additional support staff while the Ministry is planning to improve the legislation.

In a copy of the budget brief obtained by The Royal Gazette Mr. Lister said: "A three-month target for investigation completion has been agreed and this will greatly assist in reaching timely resolution of complaints.

"The Chairperson has expressed the belief that the timely resolution is of prime importance and that recent efforts are moving in this direction."

He said the Police had assisted the PCA by agreeing protocols with the authority covering notification of complaints, exchange of information and timeliness for completion of investigations.

He said his Ministry believed the independence of the PCA was vitally important in assuring the public the PCA fulfils its mandate of civilian oversight of the conduct of Police officers.

"This independence is not only from the Police Service but also from the Ministry and we have worked hard to ensure that the day to day workings of the Authority are not influence in any way by the Police and the Ministry," said Mr. Lister.

He said the PCA differed from the Parole Board which, although independent, got policy direction from the Minister.

He said: "That is only right when you consider the board is charged with releasing convicted persons back into the wider community but under appropriate conditions. Those conditions will vary on a policy basis as well as practical grounds."

Mr. Lister said in June 2002 he directed that drug importers or pushers should not be considered for parole until one half of their sentence had been completed. "This contrasts with serving one third of a sentence for all other cases and reflects the seriousness that is attached to drugs offences."