My reference: LSM/FOI/120909/10

Background. During the 2012 Olympic Games the Armed Forces successfully provided security, in conjunction with Home Office (i.e. civilian) police forces. Under the 'Army 2020' plan to redesign the British Army, announced in July 2012, the Army's role will expand to conduct 'UK engagement and military aid to homeland resilience as a UK-based Army' and 'regional responsibilities in order to deliver military support to homeland resilience and engagement with UK society'. If a police officer behaves unprofessionally towards a member of the public, the latter may complain to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), an independent and impartial organisation with powers to both investigate and recommend sanction. This is part of a system of checks and balances to ensure democratic control of national institutions.

Further to s1(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000:

1. If a member of the military behaved unprofessionally towards a member of the public, to what independent and impartial organisation with powers to both investigate and recommend sanction, could that person complain?

2. Would the MOD support the extension of the current Service Complaints Commissioner's jurisdiction to include complaints by members of the public against the military, as is done in other countries with their military ombudsman? If not, why not?