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Police Complaints Commissioner

The role of the Police Complaints Commissioner

The Police Complaints Commissioner supervises the investigation of complaints made against the Isle of Man Constabulary.

Under Schedule 1 of the Police Act (1993), His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor must, after consultation with the Department of Home Affairs, appoint an individual to the role of Police Complaints Commissioner.

The role of the Commissioner is to supervise the investigation by a senior police officer of any complaints made against the Isle of Man Constabulary. They also provide guidance on the investigation of complaints and report on their findings to the Chief Constable and advise on disciplinary matters. The Commissioner must be provided with details of all complaints after their submission. The Commissioner is also responsible for producing an annual report to the Department on their performance.

The Commissioner has powers to supervise and direct investigations. It must be stressed that the Commissioner’s role is not to investigate the complaints themselves. That remains the responsibility of senior police officers.

More details of the handling of police complaints and the role of the Police Complaints Commissioner is available in the downloadable documents section of this page.

The total number of cases supervised by the Commissioner in recent years is as follows:

  • 2010-2011: 30 complaints
  • 2011-2012: 27 complaints
  • 2012-2013: 23 complaints
  • 2013-2014: 21 complaints
  • 2014-2015: 15 complaints
  • 2015-2016: 5 complaints
  • 2016-2017: 8 complaints
  • 2017-2018: 5 complaints
  • 2018-2019: 7 complaints
  • 2019-2020: 6 complaints
  • 2020-2021: 4 complaints

Current Police Complaints Commissioner

The current Commissioner is Michelle Norman who was appointed with effect from 1 January 2023.

Miss Norman is a Manx advocate of 30 years call with extensive experience of criminal law and procedure as well as disciplinary and regulatory matters.

Contacting the Police Complaints Commissioner

Police Complaints Commissioner

Department of Home Affairs

Headquarters Building

Tromode Road

Douglas

IM2 5PA

Email:Send Email

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