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What we do

Police forces deal with the vast majority of complaints against police officers and police staff. The IPCC investigates the most serious complaints and allegations of misconduct against the police in England and Wales. We also consider appeals from people who are not satisfied with the way a police force has dealt with their complaint.

HMRC, SOCA and UKBA

The IPCC makes sure that serious complaints against HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) staff are dealt with effectively.

We are also responsible for the way that complaints against staff at the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) are handled, and for the way that serious complaints against UK Border Agency (UKBA) staff are handled.

Referrals

As well as dealing with complaints, certain types of incident must be referred to us by the police, HMRC, SOCA, and UKBA – for example, when someone has died or been seriously injured following direct or indirect contact with staff from any of these agencies using police-like powers.

Statutory guidance

The Police Reform Act 2002 gives the IPCC the power to issue statutory guidance to the police service and police authorities on how complaints should be handled. Statutory guidance allows the IPCC to set standards for the handling of complaints, even where it never becomes directly involved.

MOPAC and PCCs

On 16 January 2012, the Metropolitan Police Authority was abolished and the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) was established. The IPCC is now responsible for deciding whether any allegations that the MOPAC or his Deputy has committed a criminal offence should be investigated.

On 22 November 2012, Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) for each force in England and Wales were elected. The IPCC is now responsible for deciding whether any allegations that the PCC or their Deputy have committed a criminal offence should be investigated.