A police officer who was named as a witness in a compliant against the force has declined to be interviewed by the Independent Police Complaints Council, it was revealed yesterday.
The case is listed in the first report of the watchdog submitted to the Legislative Council since it began operating as a statutory body in the middle of last year.
Democratic Party lawmaker James To Kun-sun expressed concern that this might give the public the impression that the watchdog is not tough when dealing with complaints.
'The public will lose confidence in the [police complaints] council if it cannot get a police officer to attend an interview,' To told a meeting of the legislature's security panel.
The new law allows the council to interview anyone it wants to, although it cannot compel attendance at an interview.
Last year, the council invited eight people for interviews - four complainants and four police officers in five complaint cases.
