A person may find him- or herself in a situation where two or more competing interests creates the perception or the reality of an increased risk of bias or poor judgment. Such challenging situations come up regularly in both our personal and professional lives.

What is a Conflict of Interest? A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s personal interests – family, friendships, financial, or social factors – could compromise his or her judgment, decisions, or actions in the workplace. Government agencies take conflicts of interest so seriously that they are regulated.

Conflicts of interest may be actual, potential or perceived and involve financial and non-financial benefits. Conflicts of interest may affect, or be perceived to affect, a researcher’s impartiality and judgement, which can erode confidence in the research.

Follow these steps to ensure your conflict of interest investigation is accurate, thorough and timely:

1. Assign an investigator.
2. Identify potential risks and issues.
3. Develop an investigation plan.
4. Consult with other departments.
5. Conduct a background investigation.
6. Perform interviews.
7. Create an investigation report.

Resolve or Mitigate the Issue

1. give the employee a warning.
2. ask the employee to relinquish their conflicting private interest.
3. allow restricted involvement in the conflicted project or task.
4. remove the employee from the project or task.
5. fire the employee.

A conflict of interest exists when an individual or corporation has the opportunity – real or perceived – to exploit their position for personal or corporate benefit. Corruption occurs when the individual or corporation takes advantage of that opportunity and indeed abuses their position for private gain.

Corruption, as defined by the World Bank, is a form of dishonesty or criminal offense undertaken by a person or organization entrusted with a position of authority, to acquire illicit benefit or abuse power for one’s private gain.

The SAPS has a Service Complaints Centre: 0800 333 177. In the Western Cape there is also a police ombudsman. The ombudsman deals with matters affecting relations between the police and any community (Tel: 021 483 0669; Email: [email protected]).

Whatever the case, IPID is required to exercise its powers fairly, impartially and without fear, favour or bias,” said Cele. The public can now lodge complaints on 0800 111 696, a toll-free hotline number that empowers communities.