External Accountability: The Limited Influence of Oversight Bodies on the Governance of Police Stops

The chapter examines independent external oversight bodies’ and parliaments’ roleParliament(s) in the governance of police stops. Drawing on literature and primary sources, including official reports and data generated by this COST Action, the chapter analyses typical police stop situations that independent external bodies deal with and their policy recommendations. The need for accountable and transparent policing and its importance for police legitimacyPolice legitimacy have led to many jurisdictions establishing independent public oversight bodies. Some are completely, others partially, independent from the police and government. Complaints bodies are particularly important where criminal investigation is either not relevant or fails. Independent accountability bodies’ policy recommendations are particularly significant in relation to accountability and improving adherence to human rights. However, the impact of such recommendations on police practices is limited.