How to Make a Complaint Against the Police

Anyone who has been the subject of police conduct, or who has witnessed police conduct, has the right to make a complaint. The complaint may be about a specific officer's behaviour, about the conduct of a group of officers, or about the policies or practices of a force. There is no requirement that the person making the complaint be the direct subject of the conduct; a witness or a person acting on behalf of someone who cannot complain themselves may also do so.

The first step is to contact the relevant police force. Most forces accept complaints online, by post, or in person at a police station. Complaints must generally be made within 12 months of the incident complained of. It is important to provide as much detail as possible: the date, time, and location of the incident; the identity of any officers involved (if known, including collar numbers or shoulder identification); a clear description of what happened; and any supporting evidence such as witness details or photographs.

Once received, the complaint will be assessed by the Professional Standards Department (PSD) of the force. Most complaints are handled locally by the force itself. The PSD will decide whether the complaint should be recorded as a formal complaint and, if so, what process should apply. Less serious matters may be resolved through local resolution, an informal process in which the force seeks to resolve the matter to the complainant's satisfaction without a formal investigation. More serious matters will be investigated.

If a complainant is not satisfied with how their complaint has been handled, or with the outcome of an investigation, they can apply to the IOPC for a review. The IOPC will consider whether the force handled the complaint correctly and proportionately. The IOPC may uphold the complaint and recommend further action, direct a re-investigation, or take over the investigation itself in appropriate cases. Complainants who have experienced difficulty in having their complaint taken seriously may benefit from the assistance of a solicitor or a civil liberties organisation such as Liberty or Inquest.