However, the commission is mindful that the number of complaints it supervises is not the most accurate reflection of the work it does. 

"The amount of time taken to supervise the complaints has continued to vary and is ultimately dependent upon the nature of the complaint and the complexity of the resultant investigation," the report says. "Some of the investigations undertaken have been adequately considered by commissioners within a single meeting; however other complaints required active supervision by Commissioners over a longer period of time."

The commission has also stated its displeasure with the time it has taken to progress enhancements to its statutory role. 

"The Committee for Home Affairs have acknowledged the commission’s concern in relation to the limitations of its statutory role in supervising investigations," it said. "We are in agreement that there is scope for enhancing this area of the commission’s responsibility to better support the original objectives of the police complaints process; that is to ensure public confidence in the complaints process and the force in general.

The number of complaints made to the commission reduced from seven the previous year. 

"Whilst the commission acknowledges that amendments to legislation takes time to progress it is frustrated with the general lack of progress in bringing forward proposals for positive change."

"There are a number of possible options to be explored in additional amended legislation. The commission recognise that complaints often help to identify learning and development opportunities for the force. The commission is working with the Head of Law Enforcement to consider how it may support this process and importantly how complainants may be informed of how the issues that they have raised have contributed to this process."