A period of change

Since 2007, the Authority has undergone significant transformation.

Prior to 2007, the Authority was principally dedicated to reviewing Police investigations. Since that time, the Authority has been transforming itself by focusing resources on active, independent and transparent investigation of the most serious complaints and incidents.

That transformation has involved legislative, structural and operational change.

Independent Police Conduct Authority Amendment Act 2007

The Independent Police Conduct Authority Amendment Act came into effect in November 2007.

It replaced the Police Complaints Authority with the Independent Police Conduct Authority, the new name better reflecting the Authority’s independence and full range of functions. In addition:

• The Authority was changed from a single person to a Board of up to five people.
• The Authority was given power to refer complaints to Police for investigation, and to take no action on minor complaints for which there is another remedy. This allows for less serious complaints to be referred to Police for early intervention and resolution, with the aim of ensuring resources are used effectively and complaints are dealt with in the most timely and satisfactory manner.
• The Authority was given the same powers as Commissions of Inquiry in relation to conduct of inquiries (including powers to receive evidence, examine documents, and summon witnesses).

The amendment also imposed a statutory deadline on Police for referral of complaints to the Authority, clarified that the Authority can hear complaints about historic incidents dating back to before its establishment in 1989, and required the Authority to inform the Minister of Police and the Attorney General if Police do not respond satisfactorily to Authority recommendations.

Appointment of additional investigators

In September 2008, the Authority appointed four additional investigative staff, almost doubling its investigative capacity. Three of the new staff had investigative experience in New Zealand policing and one had experience in United Kingdom policing.

Elimination of the ‘backlog’ of complaints

In 2007, the Authority appointed additional temporary staff to assist with reviewing Police investigations into complaints. This was in response to concerns about a ‘backlog’ of complaints more than 12 months old. Considerable progress was made during 2007/08 and continued during 2008/09.

Structural change

During 2008, the Authority’s internal structure was changed to better reflect its focus on independent investigation. The structural changes included:

• Appointment of a Chief Executive
• Establishment of two Investigation Teams
• Establishment of a  Complaints Management Team, which is the first point of contact for enquiries to the Authority and maintains oversight of complaints and contact with complainants until a complaint is resolved
• Establishment of a Review Team to review complaints investigated by Police
• Appointment of administration staff and a Communications Manager to provide support for the Authority’s core investigative and oversight functions.

Operational change

In line with the November 2007 legislative changes, the Authority has shifted the focus of its work towards independent and active investigation.

Whereas in past years, resourcing constraints meant that investigative staff were largely confined to active monitoring and/or review of Police investigations, the Authority now routinely conducts its own investigations including scene examinations and interviews of witnesses. For some incidents, the Authority is the sole investigating body.