What safeguards are there for dealing with complaints and misconduct?
SOCA is subject to similar internal and external safeguards as police forces and other agencies. The SOCA Professional Standards Department is responsible for receiving, investigating and monitoring the progress of public complaints about the misconduct of SOCA officers. They will also update complainants regularly about the progress of their complaint, in accordance with the Police Reform Act 2002. If appropriate, SOCA will refer cases of serious misconduct to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). Complainants can also contact the IPCC direct. In either event, the IPCC will then decide the appropriate method of investigation. In general terms, the IPCC will handle complaints against SOCA officers in the same manner as complaints against Police Officers or officers of HMRC. The Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland (PONI) will deal with complaints in Northern Ireland. In Scotland, this will be the responsibility of the Lord Advocate. There will also be a bespoke inspectio
