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개요
If you believe a police officer has behaved improperly — whether through excessive force, wrongful arrest, discrimination, dishonesty, or failure to investigate — you have the right to make a formal complaint. The police complaints system in England & Wales is overseen by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which replaced the IPCC in 2018. Complaints can be made directly to the police force concerned or to the IOPC. The process is governed by Part 2 of the Police Reform Act 2002 and the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020.
이 절차를 사용할 수 있는 사람
- You have been directly affected by the conduct of a police officer or member of police staff
- You witnessed the conduct complained about
- You are acting on behalf of someone who was directly affected (with their consent)
- The complaint is about a serving or recently serving police officer or member of police staff
단계별 절차
Record the Details
As soon as possible after the incident, write down everything you remember: the date, time, location, what happened, what was said, the officer's name or number (if known), and details of any witnesses. Preserve any evidence: photographs, video recordings, medical reports, torn clothing, or correspondence.
- Police officers are required to display shoulder identification numbers — note these if possible
- Request any body-worn camera footage early — forces may only retain it for a limited period
- If you were injured, obtain medical evidence as soon as possible
Make the Complaint
You can complain directly to the police force concerned (in person at a police station, by letter, phone, or online), or to the IOPC. You can also complain through a solicitor, Citizens Advice, or your local MP. The complaint should set out clearly what happened, when, who was involved, and what you want to happen as a result.
- Complaints should normally be made within 12 months of the incident, though late complaints can be accepted in some circumstances
- You can make a complaint on behalf of someone else with their written consent
- If the complaint involves a death or serious injury, the IOPC must be notified and may investigate directly
- Consider seeking legal advice — some solicitors specialise in police misconduct and may work on a no-win-no-fee basis
Assessment and Investigation
The Professional Standards Department (PSD) of the relevant police force will assess the complaint and decide how to handle it. Options include: local resolution (informal), local investigation by the force, investigation directed or managed by the IOPC, or independent investigation by the IOPC itself. The most serious cases (deaths in custody, serious injuries, corruption) are investigated independently by the IOPC.
- You will be told how your complaint is being handled and can challenge the decision if you disagree
- You have the right to be kept informed of the progress of the investigation
- You may be asked to provide a witness statement and attend an interview
- The investigation should be completed as quickly as reasonably practicable
Outcome and Misconduct Proceedings
After investigation, the complaint may result in: no further action, management action (informal advice/training), a misconduct meeting (for less serious matters), or a misconduct hearing (for gross misconduct, which could result in dismissal). You will be informed of the outcome and any action taken. If gross misconduct is found, the hearing is held before a panel chaired by a legally qualified chair and is usually held in public.
- You have the right to attend misconduct hearings as an interested person
- If the officer is found to have committed gross misconduct, they can be dismissed and placed on the police barred list
- You may also have a civil claim for damages (assault, false imprisonment, misfeasance in public office) — seek legal advice
Appeal or Review
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your complaint, you have the right to request a review. For complaints handled by the police force, the review is conducted by the IOPC. For complaints investigated by the IOPC, the review is conducted by the IOPC's own review team. The review must be requested within 28 days of receiving the outcome.
- The review can result in: upholding the outcome, recommending reinvestigation, or making recommendations for the force
- If all complaint routes are exhausted, you may be able to bring a civil claim for damages in the County or High Court
- The Police Ombudsman handles complaints in Northern Ireland — the IOPC covers England & Wales only
비용
중요 경고
Making a false or malicious complaint against a police officer is a criminal offence (wasting police time or perverting the course of justice).
The complaints process deals with individual officer conduct — if you believe there is a systemic issue, you can also contact His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.
Criminal prosecution of police officers is separate from the complaints/misconduct process and is a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service.