Information for Police Officers
- The IPCC has been given stronger powers than the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) had, which means we can supervise, run and, where necessary, conduct investigations into complaints or allegations of misconduct in England and Wales against the police.
- We also have a wider responsibility to monitor the way complaints are handled by local police services. Which is called our guardianship role.
- Part of this role involves making sure that the lessons learned from the work we do are fed back to the police service so they can improve the way they deal with complaints.
What do the changes mean?
- Most complaints continue to be investigated by the local police. However, local forces are now required to meet new IPCC standards stated in the Statutory Guidance.
- A number of investigations into serious issues (Mandatory Referrals) are run by the IPCC's own investigators. These may include incidents such as a death in custody.
- IPCC investigators, in certain circumstances, have full police powers and rights of access to premises, documents and other evidence when requested.
- A person making a complaint has the right to appeal to the IPCC if they feel they have not been given sufficient information by the police or they are unhappy with the outcome of an investigation by the police.
- People other than victims can make complaints. Anybody who has been 'adversely affected' by the incident - which could include a witness - can register a complaint.
- There is also a legal obligation to keep complainants informed of the progress of an investigation, which may include giving complainants a copy of the investigating officer's report.
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