Police officers stand guard during past protests. [Photo/ kts.co.ke]
Residents in Kisumu and other neighbouring counties have been urged to freely report cases of police-related issues to the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA).In an interview with this writer on Friday, IPOA Kisumu regional coordinator Shaviya Mameti said they now have an office in Kisumu to serve the interests of locals pertaining to complaints about police activities.“One can report any incident that needs police oversight to us by visiting our offices at the Central Square building along Oginga Odinga Street in Kisumu. One can also report any case to us by calling 0799 86 22 44, sending a letter through Box number 3650 Kisumu, sending an email to kisumu@ipoa.go.ke or visiting the IPOA web portal - www.ipoa.go.ke,” said Mameti.He said that apart from members of the public, police officers are also free to report their work-related concerns to IPOA for investigations.Mameti said after reporting any case to IPOA, the concerned person should be willing to cooperate with the body so that the reported case can be investigated to its logical conclusion. “All the reports we receive are treated with a lot of confidentiality,” said Mameti.The coordinator said the duration of any IPOA investigation depends on the nature of concern raised to the Authority.The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) was established through an Act of Parliament published in November 2011 to provide for civilian oversight over the work of the police in Kenya. Is there a newsworthy accident, incident or event happening in Kisumu County that you want Hivisasa to cover? Tell us what is happening by joining this group and have it published. http://bit.ly/2EOgy6Q