The Unitary Police Services released a statement today in response to the death of a suspect during custody last week.

The Unitary Police Services stressed that they were confident that the Public Prosecution Office would hold a fair and just investigation into the incident.

It is also stated that internal investigations would be put forward by the Public Security Police Force and the Judiciary Police.

The statement also revealed that the establishment of an independent monitoring body over the police forces was put under consideration, in response to public opinion.

The Unitary Police Services reaffirmed that police officers were trusted to abide by the laws during operations and violence was strictly prohibited and any violation of the regulations would be punished accordingly.

The 37 year-old man who died in the hospital on 8 May was a suspect in a kidnap case and was held in custody in the Macao Prison since 3 May.

He was called by the Public Security Force on mid day 8 May for assistance in investigation. The suspect later claimed that he was feeling ill and was sent to the hospital for treatment.