Police authorities

The role of police authorities in complaints forms part of their core duties around promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of policing locally.

Police authorities have statutory duties in relation to complaints to:

• keep informed about complaint and discipline matters within their force
• provide the IPCC with the information and documentation to carry out its functions (including inspection)
• ensure that the IPCC or person nominated by the IPCC has access to police premises and material/documentation within those premises during the course of an investigation
• ensure that the investigating officer is given all the assistance reasonably required
• refer complaints or misconduct matters to the IPCC when the chief police officer has decided not to
• act as the appropriate authority in the recording and investigation of complaints and conduct matters against officers of ACPO rank. This includes a statutory requirement to obtain and preserve evidence in such cases.

More information about police authorities, complaints against ACPO rank officers and referral of complaints to the IPCC can be found in the IPCC’s Statutory Guidance

The IPCC and police authorities.

The IPCC works with police authorities to develop relationships and information exchange, as well as support police authorities to develop public confidence at a local level. The IPCC has regular meetings with the Association of Police Authorities.

The IPCC Commissioner leading on strategy with police authorities is Rebecca Marsh, Commissioner for Wales and the South West. All Commissioners are responsible for relationships with their local police organisations. See local organisations for more information on your area.