SIU19/19 and SIU20/19 Launched: November 2019 Summary: Both complaints were from employees, complaining of the unfair treatment they were receiving from their supervisor in charge. There were also numerous claims of corruption and mishandling of funds. Findings: Before the investigation was concluded, the immediate supervisor tendered his resignation. Much of the allegations regarding corruption and the mishandling of funds against him was substantiated. This was relayed to the Audit Office who pursued this matter. Update: The Audit Office has investigated the said Government agency and have submitted their report. SIU69/19 Launched: December 2019 Summary: The complainant is a Fijian citizen. She was brought into Samoa by a private employer on a visitor’s visa. She was assisted by the Immigration Office to obtain a return ticket to Fiji as she was severely sick but on the 11th December 2019, she was told that the ticket had been cancelled and that there was now a DPO on her name. She went to the AG and the Police and was told that investigations were still pending. She then came to the office for help. Findings: The complainant’s condition was worsening and was in Samoa without a permit, family or employment. Complainant needed to be repatriated as soon as possible to her country to seek medical attention. Update: AG responded and the DPO was removed and complainant was flown home before Christmas. Performance Indicator 1.3: Review of other disciplinary force complaints mechanisms continuing Following the mass breakout from Tanumalala Prison in December 2019, SPCS was once again merged under the Ministry of Police. SIU continues to monitor SPCS complaints through the Police Professional Standards Unit that currently handles complaints for both Ministries. Performance Indicator 1.4: Addressed matters referred to the office in a timely manner All complaints received by SIU are given equal priority and are assigned an ‘informal complaint’ status while an SIU investigator reviews the complaint. This review takes a minimum of 14 working days depending on the complexity of the case. If following a review, it is clear that the matter falls outside of the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction (i.e. Court decision or a complaint against a private company etc.) as per the Ombudsman Act 2013, then the complainant is advised to seek professional legal advice or directed to other avenues of redress. If following a review, it becomes clear that the complainant has yet to approach the Government agency complained of, or there is an adequate remedy available to him or her, then the matter is referred to the relevant agency via the office’s referral system. Office of the Ombusman/NHRI Samoa Annual Report 2019/20 31