is an offence for a police officer to treat any person with whom he may be brought into contact in the execution of his duty in an oppressive manner: this offence covers any instance where an officer without good and sufficient cause conducts a search, or requires a person to submit to any test or procedure, or uses any unnecessary violence towards any prisoner or any other person, or improperly threatens any such person with violence. 82. The essential difference between the previous procedures and the procedures which came into force under the Act is the role played by the Independent Police Complaints Authority, which comprises 1 chairman, 2 deputy chairmen and 11 members. No specific qualifications are required for membership: the only stipulation, under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, is that no person who has been a police officer may be a member. The chairman is appointed by the Sovereign while the members and deputy chairmen are appointed by the Home Secretary. These are full-time posts. Appointments are for a three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment at the end of that period. The members are supported by a permanent staff who prepare case papers and assist members in carrying out their functions. 83. The Police Complaints Authority succeeded, and is largely based on, the Police Complaints Board. The Board, whose members were appointed by the Prime Minister and also included no former or serving police officers, was established under the provisions of the Police Act 1976 and was abolished by the introduction of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. The main differences between the Board and the Authority lie in the powers which the Authority possesses to supervise the investigation of the most serious CCPR/C/58/Add.6 page 19 cases (the Board had no supervisory powers). The Police and Criminal 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be related to the functioning of a law enforcement agency, specifically the role of the Independent Police Complaints Authority in investigating complaints against police officers. The text discusses the procedures and powers of the Authority, which suggests a strong connection to the legal system and law enforcement.

**Category**
Law Enforcement, Justice