About the ICD

It is a government department that was established in April 1997 to investigate complaints of brutality, criminality and misconduct against members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Municipal Police Service (MPS).
It operates independently from the SAPS in the effective and efficient investigation of alleged misconduct and criminality by SAPS members. Its mission is to promote proper police conduct.

At the ICD we adhere to the highest standards of ethical and moral behaviour.
Our Values are the core from which we operate and respond.

Mutual Respect and Trust
Integrity and Honesty
Transparency and Openness
Equity and Fairness
Courtesy and Commitment

At the ICD Integrity is the continuous application of our Values.

The ICD investigates the following:

deaths of persons in police custody or as a result of police action (such as shooting, assault).
the involvement of SAPS members in criminal activities such as assault, theft, corruption, robbery, rape and any other criminal offences.
police conduct or behaviour which is prohibited in terms of the SAPS Standing Orders or Police Regulations, such as neglect of duties or failure to comply with the police Code of Conduct.
dissatisfaction/ complaints about poor service given by the police
failure to assist or protect victims of domestic violence as required by the Domestic Violence Act (DVA).
misconduct or offences committed by members of the Municipal Police Services (MPS).

The ICD cannot deal with the following:

complaints of incidents which occurred before its establishment, that is before April 1997 and those which took place more than a year before they were reported to the ICD, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
complaints against Correctional Services staff, court officials, and members of the South African National Defence Force.

The ICD has a total of 257 staff memebers stationed at national and provincial offices.