60% want independent probe into human rights violation allegations against police: Survey
The survey, titled “The Police We Want” received feedback from a total of 24,442 individuals between 31 October and 15 November
In regards to how allegations of human rights violations against the police will be investigated, 60% of people responded in favour of forming an independent organisation, according to a survey conducted by the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The survey, titled "The Police We Want" received feedback from a total of 24,442 individuals between 31 October and 15 November, according to a press release.
Currently, there is no independent organisation investigating such allegations against the police and Section 18 of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Act 2009 prohibits the commission from investigating such allegations against the police and law enforcement agencies.
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Meanwhile, the remaining 40% of respondents in the survey are equally divided into two groups. One group believes a permanent investigation commission headed by a retired High Court judge can investigate allegations of human rights violations against the police. The other group is in favour of empowering the NHRC by amending the law.
Since human rights violation is a sensitive issue, it has become imperative to attach special importance to it. In this regard, the NHRC has recommended empowering it and the formation of a permanent investigation commission.
However, opinions and recommendations can be given in favour of clearly defining the formation and jurisdiction of the investigation commission and the jurisdiction of the NHRC through necessary laws.
In response to another question regarding how accountability can be ensured in the police force, 58.9% of survey participants responded in favour of forming a regulatory body or commission.
On the other hand, 41.1% were in favour of establishing an independent ombudsman for the police within the constitutional framework.
To compare whether the establishment of a police commission or an ombudsman is more timely, effective and desirable in the public interest, an opinion can be formulated about the formation of the police commission, considering what its powers and jurisdiction will be and how it can be implemented, and by examining and evaluating the experience of forming similar commissions in different countries.
