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How to appeal to the IPCC

If you have made a complaint against the police and you are not happy with the way it has been handled, you may be able to appeal to the IPCC.

There are three types of appeal:

Each appeal type applies at different stages of the complaints process, on different grounds and with different consequences.

How can I make an appeal?

If you decide to make an appeal you need to complete and return the relevant appeal form.

Appeal leaflets and forms

You can also ask for an appeal form at any police station or email the IPCC to request one from the IPCC.

How will the IPCC deal with my appeal?

Once your appeal form has been received, the IPCC will send you a letter to acknowledge receipt.

The IPCC will also contact the police to tell it about the appeal, give it a copy of your appeal and ask it for any information it has about your complaint.

Once the IPCC has received all the information from the police it can assess your appeal and make a decision about it.

Appeal outcomes

If your appeal is upheld, the IPCC will give instructions to the chief police officer or police authority about what they should do about your complaint. The police must follow these instructions. The IPCC will tell you in writing about the instructions given to the police and explain what happens next.

If your appeal is not upheld, the IPCC will write to you explaining how and why the IPCC made its decision. The IPCC is an independent organisation and our final decisions cannot be overruled, except by a court of law.

What if I need more advice?

If you are still not sure what to do next or you need more information, you can contact an advice organisation such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Racial Equality Council, Neighbourhood Warden, Youth Offender Team, CEMVO Office or Probation Service.

Alternatively, you can talk to a legal advisor.

You can also contact the IPCC for advice about the appeals process.

More information

The Police Reform Act 2002 includes measures to ensure that complaints against the police are properly handled and that complainants have a right of appeal under certain circumstances.

The IPCC is responsible for the way complaints about the police are handled. It is also responsible for considering appeals made by members of the public about their complaint. It can, where appropriate, direct the police to change their decision or to take further action.

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