How do I make a complaint to the Independent Office for Police Conduct?

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is the body responsible for overseeing the police complaints system in England and Wales. It replaced the Independent Police Complaints Commission in January 2018. Understanding when and how to approach the IOPC can significantly affect the outcome of your complaint.

The IOPC does not usually accept complaints that have not first been made to the force involved. In most cases, you should complain to the police force first, either via its professional standards department or online through the force's website. You should keep a copy of all correspondence. If the force does not respond within a reasonable period, or if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of their investigation, you can refer the matter to the IOPC.

There are cases where the force must refer a complaint to the IOPC itself. These are known as mandatory referrals and include: any case involving death or serious injury, serious corruption, racially or religiously aggravated conduct, sexual assault, and certain other categories of serious misconduct. In these cases the IOPC will determine whether to conduct its own investigation or to manage or supervise an investigation by the force.

To make a referral to the IOPC, you can use their online complaint form at policeconduct.gov.uk, telephone their assessment centre, or write to them. You will need to provide: your contact details, details of the police force involved, a description of what happened, when it happened, and what action the force has taken.

The time limit for making a complaint is generally 12 months from the date of the incident or from the date you became aware of it. The IOPC can extend this period if there are good reasons for the delay.

Key Points

• The IOPC oversees the police complaints system in England and Wales
• You should normally complain to the force first before approaching the IOPC
• The IOPC can be approached if you are dissatisfied with the force's response or if the matter requires independent oversight
• Mandatory referrals to the IOPC include cases involving death, serious injury, or serious corruption
• You can complain online, by phone, or in writing to the IOPC
• The time limit for complaints is generally 12 months from the incident
• The IOPC can conduct its own investigation, manage a force investigation, or supervise it
• Decisions of the IOPC can be challenged by judicial review in serious cases