IPOA: 37 police officers convicted amid challenges in oversight role

At least 37 police officers have been convicted following investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), including two in connection with the June 2024 anti-finance bill protests.

IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan revealed the figures during an interview on Spice FM, where he detailed the scope of the authority’s work and the challenges it faces in holding officers accountable. 

Hassan, who has served at the helm of the oversight body for four months, said IPOA has received thousands of complaints from civilians and police officers—some of whom are reporting misconduct by their colleagues or superiors.

“To date, 6,081 case files have been concluded. Out of these, 1,000 have been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). There are currently 267 cases pending before the court that stem from IPOA-led investigations approved by the DPP,” Hassan stated.

The chairperson pushed back against the public perception that IPOA is ineffective, acknowledging, however, that the authority lacks arrest powers—a significant limitation in pursuing justice.

“IPOA cannot arrest anyone. We depend on the police to arrest themselves. When you want to arraign an officer, you still need another officer to carry out the arrest. Unlike other public servants, police officers don’t step aside when charged—they continue to work while still armed,” he explained.

Hassan also addressed a prevailing misconception that IPOA exists solely to antagonize the police service.

“Some officers believe IPOA’s presence hinders their work. We’re seen as an irritant, always looking for faults. But in reality, we also advocate for their welfare. Over the last 14 years, IPOA has made numerous recommendations to improve police housing, healthcare, and mental wellness,” he said.

The authority is currently investigating a wide range of alleged offenses by police officers, including murder, manslaughter, theft, sexual assault, physical assault, and various other forms of misconduct.