How to make a complaint
What to expect when you make a complaint
The IPCC does not have the power to record complaints – this is done by the relevant police force or police authority. In the majority of cases complaints are considered and recorded by the Professional Standards Department (PSD) of the police force concerned - for the Metropolitan Police this is referred to as the Directorate of Proffessional Standards.
This means that if you make your complaint via the IPCC, it must forward the complaint to the relevant police force or police authority so that a recording decision can be made. The IPCC will need your permission to do this and you will be asked to give your consent. In general, without your consent the IPCC is unable to pass on the details of your complaint, which means it will not be dealt with.
Your complaint will usually be dealt with more quickly if you make it direct to the police force concerned. This avoids the stage where the IPCC must contact you for consent and then forward the complaint to the relevant police force or police authority for consideration.
Ways to make your complaint
- Contact the police force involved details for individual police forces are widely available
- You can attend a police station in person
- Contact a solicior or MP who can make a complaint on your behalf
If you would like legal advice or assistance making a complaint you can contact an organisation such as your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Click here for police professional standards contact details or to help you find which police force you wish to complain about you can visit the Direct.gov webite
Making your complaint via the IPCC
Please note that, while we try and forward new complaints within 2-6 working days, the IPCC regularly receives high volumes of correspondence which can result in delays and therefore it may be up to 4 - 5 weeks before we can process your complaint Since our role at this stage of the process is to forward your complaint to the relevant police force you may be best advised to send your complaint directly to the Professional Standards Department of the force concerned.
The IPCC only investigates the most serious complaints. The majority of complaints are satisfactorily investigated by the police force concerned. The IPCC is also responsible for considering appeals made by members of the public about their complaint. It can, where appropriate, direct the police to change its decision or to take further action.
What should I include in my complaint?
If you wish to make your complaint by letter or email, please provide your full contact details and the following information:
- Which police force is your complaint about?
- Where and when did the incident/s happen that led to your complaint?
- Please describe the circumstances that led to your complaint
- Your consent – the IPCC needs this to pass details of your complaint to the police force concerned for consideration
Please include details of:
- Who was involved?
- What was said and done?
- Any damage or injury
- Details of any witnesses
If you would like someone to act on your behalf (perhaps a relative or friend) please provide their details and your written permission separate to your complaint.
This information is available as British sign language in a video on this website and can be seen by clicking here.This information is also available in pdf format in different languages.
For more information see the IPCC information leaflets
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