ABSTRACT
All the foregoing chapters have endeavoured to provide an introductory guide to the key issues affecting the exercise of police powers. Inevitably, a book of this nature tends to present the subject in a rather sanitised manner, without much reference to the stark realities of the overall environment in which such powers are exercised, both from the public, as well as the police, standpoint. However high the standards of the police service may be, there must be appropriate mechanisms of accountability at all levels in order to maintain credibility. The latter is most important, for it is upon this that the concept of policing by consent depends. One of the ways in which any modern police service in a democratic society can preserve public support is by having a fair and efficient police complaints system.
