Section 17: Provision of information to the Commission
150.The IPCC will be the guardian of the system and its general functions, as set out in section 10, include:
securing the effective and efficient arrangements for the system and continuously reviewing the arrangements for the purpose of improving it;
raising the public’s awareness of the complaints system and establishing and maintaining public confidence in those arrangements; and
demonstrating its independence from the police.
151.Therefore, the Commission must be able to gather information on all parts of the system. This section places a duty on police authorities and chief officers to provide the Commission with all information and documents in accordance with requirements as specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State.
152.There will also be a duty on police authorities and chief officers to provide the Commission with all other information and documents as required by the Commission for the purpose of carrying out its functions and they should, as far as it is practicable, do so in such form, manner and time as specified by the Commission.
