The Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Independent Policing Oversight Authority, Internal Affairs Unit and Directorate of Criminal Investigation will jointly investigate cases of serious human rights violations committed by law enforcers.
This is as prescribed in the new Standards Operating Procedures(SOPs) on investigations and prosecution of serious human right violation committed by police officers.
Speaking during the launch of the SOPs and ODPP excellence charter Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said the ministry does not condone crime and violation of human rights even by police.
“There’s evidence that we have disciplined those of our officers that have gone beyond the service standing orders,” he said.
He also urged the legal fraternity to always notify authorities some of the criminal activities they help facilitate through their agreements in good time so that the agencies get these people.
“White collar crime in this country is facilitated by some of us but if we adopt a very collaborative process, we shall be able to deal with it in time,” said the CS.
DPP Noordin Haji revealed that the IAU, DCI and IPOA would appoint a liaison person in each region to act as their point of contact.
The appointed person will report to the Joint Implementation Committee and ultimately to the heads of various agencies.
The new SOPs is to guide how such offences will be investigated and prosecuted to enable speedy delivery of justice to victims.
SOPs, the first of its kind in the criminal justice system, will enhance collaboration, coordination and organisational partnership.
Reports indicate the ability to conduct effective, timely and comprehensive investigations have been frustrated by lack of teamwork and collaboration caused by mistrust between the investigating agencies, overlapping mandates and con-cooperation leading to delay in access to justice for victims of police violations.
