The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into an allegation that two Police officers in the Police Prosecution Service had treated lawyers employed by the Public Defence Service in an unprofessional way, which amounted to bullying. The complaint also alleged systemic failures within the Hamilton Police prosecution service.
Employment investigations were conducted in relation to the behaviour of both the officers. Police upheld all allegations against one officer, finding their actions were a breach of the Code of Conduct. Police upheld two of the three allegations against the other officer finding their actions were a breach of the Code of Conduct, with the third having been resolved by the two parties involved.
Police report that progress has been made in addressing systemic problems and change is ongoing.
The Authority agrees with the outcome of the Police investigations.
IPCA: 20-4897