Who has the authority to decide whether an investigation should commence?

The authority to decide whether an investigation should commence typically lies with the Public Safety Bureau (PSB) Commander. This is because the PSB Commander is responsible for overseeing internal investigations and ensuring that they adhere to departmental policies and legal standards. By having this authority centralized in a specific command position, the department can maintain a level of accountability, consistency, and thoroughness in how investigations are initiated and conducted.

A direct supervisor may recognize potential issues but does not have the final say on whether an official investigation is warranted, as this may require a broader perspective and resources. Similarly, while the department head has significant authority and oversight, delegating the decision-making process regarding investigations to the PSB Commander ensures that there is a specialized focus on these matters. Allowing any employee within the department to initiate investigations could lead to inconsistency and a lack of control over the investigative process, which is why this is not an acceptable practice.