Table of Contents IPCC Website *
Fair Just Open
Chapter 3 - Complaint Classifications
Introduction
Substantiated
Substantiated Other Than Reported
Not Fully Substantiated
Unsubstantiated
False
No Fault
Withdrawn
Not Pursuable
Curtailed
Informally Resolved
Sub-judice
Others
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Informally Resolved
 
3.17 The Informal Resolution (IR) scheme aims at a speedy, satisfactory resolution of very minor complaints such as impoliteness during the ticketing of traffic offence.
 
3.18 A minor complaint suitable for IR will not be subject to full investigation. Instead, a senior officer at least at the Chief Inspector of Police rank in the complainee’s division will act as the Conciliating Officer (CO). The CO will make enquiry into the facts of a complaint by talking with the complainant and complainee separately. If he is satisfied that the matter is suitable for IR and if the complainant agrees, the complaint will be informally resolved.
 
3.19 The IR scheme cannot be used in the following circumstances:
 
 
(a) The allegation is about unjust refusal of bail which amounts to a loss of personal freedom;
 
(b) The complainant does not agree to the complaint being dealt with by IR;
 
(c) Criminal or disciplinary charges might ensue; or
 
(d) There is a significant conflict of testimony between the complainant and the complainee. (The CO would formulate his judgement as to the facts and decide whether IR, or the normal full investigation, should be carried out.)
 
  Example
 
 

The complainant was questioned and searched by the complainee while chatting with a friend around mid-night in a park. He alleged that the complainee was impolite to him during the questioning and search and treated him like a criminal. In view of its minor nature, the complaint was considered suitable to be dealt with by ‘Informal Resolution’.

After being explained of the aim of ‘Informal Resolution’ by the Conciliating Officer, the complainant agreed to have his complaint resolved informally. The complainee was interviewed by the Conciliating Officer. He was reminded to act professionally when discharging his duties and to treat members of the public with courtesy.
 
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