The IPCC is responsible for monitoring and reviewing investigations into public complaints against the Police Force, carried out by the CAPO. The council is an independent body comprising members appointed by the Chief Executive.

The council had 70 lay observers as at the end of 2006. They attend CAPO interviews and site visits on a scheduled or unannounced basis to ensure that investigations are conducted in a thorough and impartial manner. In 2006, the investigation results of 2 114 complaints involving 3 518 allegations, were endorsed by the IPCC.