The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is now accessible 24/7 through the toll-free line (1559).
This enables members of the public to access the Authority to lodge complaints against or compliment police officers beyond regular business hours.
The rollout of the 24-hour support service has revolutionized service delivery at IPOA, ensuring that citizens can access the Authority’s services free of charge at any given time.
Previously, IPOA’s toll free-line 1559 was manned during the official working hours only, hampering or delaying reporting of incidents occurring after 5:00pm and during weekends and official holidays.
Members of the public are encouraged- in the event that they face difficulties accessing the authority through 1559- to use the alternative number; 0742-515-672 and request a call-back.
This milestone has enabled IPOA to align with the services of the National Police Service (NPS), which it is mandated to oversight. The NPS’s services are also accessible 24/7.
The 24-hour accessibility of the authority through 1559, empowers the Authority to react promptly to rapid response cases, effectively preventing the tampering with evidence and ensuring timely assistance is provided to the public.
Senior Assistant Director in charge of IPOA’s Complaints and Call Center Department, Dr Ruth Kaguta said the new development would enable the technical departments of the Authority to move swiftly in cases that require rapid response.
“This facilitates our officers to visit the scene of incident immediately, secure it, seize exhibits and gather all relevant information and documentation, to support our investigations,” said Dr. Ruth said.
She also added that clients can now lodge their complaints as well as attach any relevant documentation or pictorial evidence on the Authority’s WhatsApp number.
“Our line 0742-515-672 is WhatsApp enabled. You can send a complaint there or make a WhatsApp call. This has made it easy for people to report even from the diaspora,” she added, saying that IPOA is committed to making its services as available as possible, as it discharges its police oversight role.