Report of the Inquiry into Allegations against the Security Forces of Physical Brutality in Northern Ireland Arising out of the Events of 9 August 1971 (the Compton Report), November 1971

Terms of Reference:

To investigate allegations by those arrested on 9th August under the Civil Authorities (Special Powers) Act (Northern Ireland) 1922 of physical brutality while in the custody of the security forces prior to either their subsequent release, the preferring of a criminal charge or their being lodged in a place specified in a detention order

Chair:

Sir Edmund Compton

Panel Members:

His Honour Judge Edgar Fay QC, Dr Ronald Gibson

Dates:

Establishment: 31 August 1971
Hearings: 1 September 26 October 1971
Report: 3 November 1971
 
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Description of the events which caused the public concern:

Allegations of police brutality in the questioning and interrogation of terrorist suspects who had been arrested and interned in Northern Ireland.

Litigation:

None

Summary of reports recommendations:

No grouped or individual complainants suffered physical brutality as we understand the term. There were, however, found to have been incidents of physical mistreatment, including hooding, deprivation of sleep, restricted diets of bread and water, forced posture and exposure to noise.

Any follow up bodies

None.