- Latest available (Revised)
- Point in Time (23/12/2004)
- Original (As enacted)
Point in time view as at 23/12/2004.
Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998, Section 53 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 September 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
Changes and effects yet to be applied by the editorial team are only applicable when viewing the latest version or prospective version of legislation. They are therefore not accessible when viewing legislation as at a specific point in time. To view the ‘Changes to Legislation’ information for this provision return to the latest version view using the options provided in the ‘What Version’ box above.
(1)The Ombudsman shall consider whether the complaint is suitable for informal resolution and may for that purpose make such investigations as he thinks fit.
(2)A complaint is not suitable for informal resolution unless—
(a)the complainant gives his consent; and
(b)it is not a serious complaint.
(3)If it appears to the Ombudsman that the complaint is suitable for informal resolution, he shall refer the complaint to the appropriate disciplinary authority.
(4)Where a complaint is referred under subsection (3), the appropriate disciplinary authority shall seek to resolve it informally and may appoint a member of the police force to do so on behalf of the authority.
(5)The Chief Constable shall, at the request of the [F1Board], provide a member of the police force to be appointed by the [F1Board] under subsection (4).
(6)If, after attempts have been made to resolve a complaint informally, it appears to the appropriate disciplinary authority—
(a)that informal resolution of the complaint is impossible; or
(b)that the complaint is for any other reason not suitable for informal resolution,
the appropriate disciplinary authority shall notify the Ombudsman accordingly and refer the complaint to him.
(7)Subject to subsection (8), no statement made by any person for the purpose of the informal resolution of a complaint shall be admissible in any subsequent criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings.
(8)A statement is not rendered inadmissible by subsection (7) if it consists of or includes an admission relating to a matter which does not fall to be resolved informally.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 53(5) substituted (4.11.2001) by 2000 c. 32, s. 78(1), Sch. 6 para. 23(5)(a); S.R. 2001/396, art. 2, Sch.
Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.
Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.
Point in Time: This becomes available after navigating to view revised legislation as it stood at a certain point in time via Advanced Features > Show Timeline of Changes or via a point in time advanced search.
Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.
Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.
Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including: