Abstract
China does not have an independent police complaints system. Police services are under the control of local governments and police chiefs, and police chiefs have specific responsibility for the supervision of police complaints. Although traditionally the Chinese prosecutors have acted as independent supervisors in the more serious complaints against the police, they are still seen as part of the criminal justice establishment. Recent efforts to change the present system have proved ineffective and inadequate in a modernising and reforming China and there are now calls for an independent element to be introduced into the police complaints system in China. This article discusses the main issues involved and suggests a way forward.
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