About the seminar
Poland has been experiencing a surge in complaints regarding police actions, from the misuse of coercive measures to questionable detentions and concerns over the limits of authority. Citizens often have the impression that police officers evade accountability, even if their mistakes are acknowledged by the courts.
In Poland, individuals can lodge complaints with the Commissioner for Human Rights or pursue legal measures to address police actions. However, we must critically examine whether these channels are truly effective and efficient. Is it time for Poland to establish an independent body that oversees police operations? Permanent Oversight Committee on the Police Services (Committee P), an example from Belgium, serves as a potential model worth exploring.
During the conference, Kathleen Stinckens, the chair of Committee P, will present the organization's core principles and notable achievements. Her presentation will be followed by a discussion panel featuring former police officers, government officials, and activists. Together, we will explore the possibilities and examine the crucial aspects of designing an optimal system for police oversight, especially in light of allegations of violation of human rights.
Keynote Speakers
Kathleen Stinckens
Is a lawyer and Chair of the Permanent Oversight Committee on the Police Services (Committee P). She holds a law degree from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium and a postgraduate degree in Multidisciplinary Forensic Sciences. Throughout her career, she has worked as a lawyer, deputy public prosecutor at the Leuven Court of First Instance, police court judge, and vice president of the
judges of the peace and the judges of the police court in Leuven. Kathleen has served as a spokesperson for the Union royale des juges de paix et de police from 2016 to 2018. She is teaches at the Catholic University of Leuven and frequently delivers guest lectures at other universities and training institutions. She has co-authored a series of books on traffic law and authored various law books. She is also a regular participant in expert panels and scientific conferences, offering valuable insights in her areas of specialization.
Jan Van Lier
Serves as the Deputy Director General of the Investigations Department at Committee P. He earned a master's degree in political and social sciences from the University of Antwerp. In 2008, he successfully completed the International Anti-corruption summer school at the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Vienna. Throughout his career, John has held various roles within the Belgian police, including managerial and advisory positions. From 2003 to 2022, he worked as an auditor-researcher in the Investigation Department of Committee P and was later appointed Deputy Director General in 2022. He is highly regarded for his expertise in Integrity Policy & Integrity Assessment, as well as his extensive knowledge of anti-corruption issues and auditing police operations.
Organizers
Location
Faculty of Law in Warsaw, SWPS University, Chodakowska 19/31, room S304