Plans for new police complaints process in Isle of Man

Complaints about the police in the Isle of Man could be handled by a new ombudsman, if plans are approved.

The government wants to pass new legislation to establish a Police Ombudsman to supervise complaints.

It also plans to introduce a Police Complaints Appeals tribunal to hear any appeals over the complaints.

Under the current system, police officers investigate issues under the supervision of an independent police complaints commissioner.

'Listened to concerns'

The only exception to this is when the commissioner asks another force to investigate.

In recent years, between 16 and 29 complaints have been supervised by the commissioner.

Adrian Earnshaw, minister for Home Affairs, said: "The Department for Home Affairs (DHA) has listened to concerns expressed in Tynwald and in the community and has drafted primary legislation to enable changes to be made to the present system."

People are being asked to give their views on the plans. They must be received by the DHA by 3 December.