17.—(1) The deputy chief constable must prepare and maintain procedures for the consideration and handling of any report, complaint or allegation from which it may reasonably be inferred that an act, omission or an alleged act or omission of a special constable amounts, or may amount to misconduct.
(2) Where a report, complaint or allegation of the type specified in paragraph (1) has been received, the deputy chief constable may–
(a)consider that report, complaint or allegation in the first instance and, unless regulation 25 applies, decide whether an inquiry into the matter should take place; or
(b)select a nominated officer to consider the report, complaint or allegation in the first instance who will, unless regulation 25 applies, decide whether an inquiry into the matter should take place.
(3) Where it is decided that an inquiry into the report, complaint or allegation should not take place, the deputy chief constable or, if paragraph (2)(b) is applicable, the nominated officer may conclude the matter in accordance with any procedures set down by the deputy chief constable under paragraph (1).
(4) Where it is decided that an inquiry into the report, complaint or allegation should take place, the deputy chief constable or, if paragraph (2)(b) is applicable, the nominated officer must select an inquiry officer to carry out an inquiry into the matter.