February 2006 3. Action plans to implement these policies, and also to monitor their implementation on a regular basis, should be developed by state authorities and police in close co-operation with minority representatives. It is important to know whether policies and measures are being effective and are achieving the results intended. Minorities in particular are likely to be keen to know whether progress is being made. It is important that accurate information is collected and made available. Action plans and monitoring can help to overcome these challenges. Action plans to implement these policies should: • • • • • • • Involve an integrated approach, incorporating all fields of action identified in the Recommendations; Be based on analysis of specific problems and needs in police-minority relations: independent research may need to be commissioned for this purpose; Identify and task the persons responsible (in both the government and the police organization) for implementing policies on policing and minorities; Establish where appropriate specific posts or units to carry out or coordinate the necessary work; Include provision for sufficient financial and other resources; Provide for continuing consultation and co-operation with police (e.g. through professional associations) and with minorities (e.g. through NGOs) at all stages; Include establishing local pilot projects, as a useful first step. It is also essential that the implementation of policies on policing and minorities is monitored on a regular basis. Government and police officials should routinely do this for their own administrative purposes, and they should produce reports that are publicly accessible. However, to increase public confidence and ensure democratic accountability, such monitoring should also be undertaken by an independent body. The role can be played by parliamentary human rights institutions (e.g. Parliamentary Commissions or Ombudspersons) or other public oversight bodies. Such bodies should have the right to question public officials and hold open hearings, and their reports too should be publicly available. Whatever the methods used to monitor the implementation of such policies, it is essential that both the minorities and the police are consulted effectively, and that their perceptions and experiences are recorded and addressed in preparing reports and recommendations. Police should welcome rather than resist such independent scrutiny, recognizing the benefits that it can bring to an 12