How to Complain About Police: Step by Step

Making a complaint about a police officer in England and Wales can be done by anyone: you do not need to have been directly affected by the conduct in question. Complaints can be about any serving police officer, special constable, PCSO, or member of police staff. The process is governed by Schedule 3 to the Police Reform Act 2002, as amended by the Policing and Crime Act 2017.

The first step is to submit your complaint. You can do this directly to the force's Professional Standards Department (PSD), through any police station, or to the IOPC. Complaints can be made in writing, by telephone, by email, or in person. If you are unsure which force to complain to, or if you would prefer not to contact the force directly, you can use the IOPC's online complaint form. You should provide as much detail as possible: dates, times, locations, officer descriptions or numbers, witness details, and any evidence such as body-worn video footage, photographs, or medical records.

Once received, the force must record the complaint and carry out an initial assessment. The force will determine whether the complaint should be handled formally or informally and whether it should be referred to the IOPC. Most complaints are handled at force level through "reasonable and proportionate" handling. This may involve a review of evidence, an explanation, an apology, or referral to a supervisor. More serious matters may be formally investigated.

If you are dissatisfied with how your complaint has been handled, you have the right to a review. For complaints about chief officers, the review is carried out by the IOPC. For other complaints, it is carried out by the relevant Police and Crime Commissioner (or the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime in London). The review may result in the complaint being re-examined, further investigation, or confirmation of the original outcome. Throughout the process, the force should keep you informed of progress. The IOPC publishes guidance for complainants on its website, including template letters and frequently asked questions.