informed of their matters to ignoring reported offences and prolonging investigations. The second notable trend in complaints, is the ‘use of force’ by police officers both in physical and verbal situations (insulting/threatening words). SIU issued 15 recommendations during this review in an effort to combat what appears to be a laxity in work ethic (or none thereof) when responding to members of the public. There are clear protocols in the Police for this. There are also external and internal trainings for recruits. Some of the recommendations issued, is the need for police officers to undergo mandatory refresher trainings on the use of force and for investigators to prioritize complainants by keeping them informed of the progress of their investigations. As enforcers of the law, more is always expected of them In an effort to improve Police complaint handling, SIU intends to commence complaint handling workshops for Police and other disciplinary forces as well as building capacity towards the establishment of its Ombudsman Tribunal for cases where there is reason to believe that there is an abuse of process, unreasonable delay in investigation(s) or where a matter has not been appropriately investigated. Due to the measles outbreak, followed by the COVID-19 lockdown, and then the relocation of the office in June, SIU was unable to complete its second bi-annual review for the financial year. It was postponed to October 2020. From the complaint lists that are mandatorily submitted to SIU every three months, it has been noted that for the period of July to December 2019, PSU received a total of 47 complaints. Performance Indicator 1.2: Independent investigations subject to serious complaints received SIU embarked on five independent investigations from very serious complaints during this financial year, SIU44/19, SIU19/19, SIU20/19 and SIU28/20. These cases are summarized below except for SIU28/20 which is currently pending as it affects the majority if not all of the employees of the Government agency enquired into. It is anticipated that this investigation will be finalized by November 2020 if not late October 2020. SIU0144/19: The First Break Out from the Brand New Prison Launched: October 2019 Summary: Cabinet referred the matter of two prisoners who managed to escape from Taunamalala Prison during the night to the Ombudsman for investigation. Findings: The prisoners escaped because: (1) There is a culture of laxity and indiscipline at Tanumalala (2) Tanumalala Prison is of poor quality and construction works are still unfinished (3) There is a lack of training on policy and procedure; and (4) There is a severe shortage of staff and equipment at Tanumalala. Recommendation: SIU issued 5 recommendations namely (1) construction is to recommence on rear section of prison wall and floodlights, sensor lights and security cameras are to be installed around the prison (2) more staff (3) more rigorous policies (4) refresher courses and; (5) the establishment of a concrete fence. Update: The Ombudsman’s recommendations were endorsed by Cabinet and given to SPCS to act upon. Office of the Ombusman/NHRI Samoa Annual Report 2019/20 30