Legislators yesterday passed the Police Complaints Authority Amendment Act allowing for better provision for the resolution of complaints involving Police Officers.

As MPs debated the bill, Pembroke Central MP , said the proposed amendment which includes setting up an independent authority to investigate complaints needed to be questioned since during his days as a Policeman many of these duties were taken on by Sergeants.

While Mr. Perinchief, supported the bill since it aims to improve public confidence in the Police and will address and redress complaints more efficiently, he said the formalised approach may lead to common sense being pushed over to the sidelines. He said the Police Force should ensure its management systems were up to standard and that the authority was not called in every time to address complaints that could be dealt with practically by supervisors within the service. ?I have to question within the service what has happened to the chain of command, has the practical management system fallen victim to the new management practices which include flattening the pyramid of hierarchy,? said Mr. Perinchief.

Shadow Education Minister said the tension within the Police force itself, of different officers from different backgrounds, in addition to the external authority to investigate complaints may also clash with Police culture.

Mr. Darrell said in many cases steps can be taken to ensure the public and the police communicate amicably. In many cases, he pointed out that redressing complaints may be as simple as an apology from the officer to the member of the public.

He said the Police must also make sure they use the services of the EAP and require officers, if they need it, to attend anger management classes and have the psychological support needed to deal with the stress of the job. Individuals with experience in addressing complaints should also be the ones to ensure the authority operates effectively, and complaints are resolved quickly. Opposition Leader said the authority ensures credibility on the part of the police force and on members of the public, however, he questioned how the different hearing, required as part of the process to address complaints would operate effectively.

The Police will have their own internal hearing on the issue with a representative of the PCA present, according to Labour and Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton, as he answered a question from Dr. Gibbons.

?We?re not sure if all of the practical problems have been addressed,? said Dr. Gibbons.

?If internal hearings have a different outcome than anticipated this may cast doubt on the entire process.?

Dr. Gibbons said most organisations need civilian oversight, however, he pointed out that accountability must take place after complaints are addressed. ?All we need now is to make sure it takes place.?