Working locally with voluntary and community organisations
Through its offices, the IPCC works with a range of local organisations to raise awareness of the complaints system.
Many police forces and police authorities are also making links with their local community and voluntary organisations, including Mosques, Race Equality Councils and Victim Support.
Third party reporting
A key feature of the complaints system under the Police Reform Act 2002 is that any person (family member, friend or support organisation) can make a complaint on behalf of someone else.
This is provided that the complainant gives their written permission for the other person to act on their behalf. The written permission does not need to be in English.
This is a key feature of the complaints system. This includes complaints being made on behalf of individuals by local organisations if this is something the organisation and the individual wish to do.
The IPCC has a duty under the Police Reform Act 2002 to increase access to the complaints system. It expects the police service to also develop a range of ways for people to access the complaints system which address the specific needs of complainants.
Under the Home Office/ACPO national quality of service commitment, the police have a duty to the public to:
- ensure that concerns are listened to where service levels fall below expectations
- make it easier to contact the police
- provide a professional and high quality service
- deal with initial contact
- keep the member of the public informed
- ensure the complainants voice counts
Related topics
Information leaflets - Find out what leaflets the IPCC provides and request supplies to be sent to you.
Working with other agencies - Find out about how the protocols we have ensure we both understand clearly how we can co-operate and assist each other
Useful links - This section will give you links to police related websites
