11 October 2019

Updating police practice regarding the issue of certificates for complaints and full copies of complaints

A number of referrals to the High Commissioner revealed thatindividuals who came to file complaints at the Police Department had left the police station with no official documents to provide proof of the complaint, even where the individuals concerned had expressly asked for a copy.  For the sake of good administration and in order to make matters easier for the individuals concerned, the High Commissioner recommended that police practice be updated to allow the officer who logs a complaint to immediately and systematically issue a confirmatory receipt or certificate. This document should indicate the date of the complaint, the nature of the facts alleged, and the identity of the person or persons accused, along with the registration number assigned to the complaint in the Police Department’s files.

The entire recommendation is available on the site in french version only.