- 19 29. The remarks in the preceding paragraphs should not be understood as suggesting that all members of the Greek Police Force mistreat detained persons. On the contrary, on many occasions the CPT’s delegation witnessed police officers operating in a professional and respectful manner, and many detained persons spoke positively about staff. However, as was also acknowledged by some of the police officers interviewed, ill-treatment of detained persons by police officers does occur, undermining the reputation of, and public confidence in, the Greek Police Force. In the view of the CPT, insufficient effort has been made to date to effectively investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators of ill-treatment. Effective permanent structures to combat police ill-treatment must be established, in order to safeguard the credibility and authority of the Greek Police. 30. The CPT is aware that certain steps to improve the quality of investigations into allegations of ill-treatment by police officers have been taken. By letter of 26 February 2010, the CPT was informed that a complaints body (Arbitrary Incidents Office) will be established, which will cover the uniformed services under the responsibility of the Ministry of Citizens Protection (Coast Guard, Fire Brigade and Police). This body will be authorised to receive complaints from citizens concerning any ”illegal behaviour” of officers serving with the coast guard, fire brigade or police, including allegations of ill-treatment. Further, the Greek authorities imply that the Arbitrary Incidents Office will be provided with the necessary means and powers to carry out rapid and effective investigations into such complaints. Further, the staff employed by the Office will be independent of the coast guard, fire brigade and police, and will include academics and members of the judiciary. 31. The CPT welcomes the establishment of the Arbitrary Incidents Office and would like to receive detailed information on the competencies, powers and staffing of this Office as well as on its organisational position within the Ministry of Citizens Protection. Further, the Committee recommends that the Greek authorities also fundamentally review the manner in which allegations of ill-treatment by police officers are reported and recorded.