Call for explanation over police panel

OFFICIALS are to be asked to formally explain why they have rejected demands for an independent panel to investigate police complaints.

Legislators at yesterday's security panel meeting were angry that the Government had ignored a motion they passed in April, calling for an independent body to replace the present Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO).

The Government instead suggested lay observers sit in to look at how CAPO officers conducted interviews and took statements.

But United Democrat James To Kun-sun said: ''I don't think the Government is working towards our request.'' Councillors said the Government had turned down a compromise move to appoint lay investigators to join CAPO.

Legislators said they would ask Police Commissioner Li Kwan-ha and Secretary for Security Alistair Asprey to explain the reasons for their opposition to an independent panel.