Police Complaints Procedure

There are strict time limits in place. You have 6 years to make a claim for wrongful arrest or false imprisonment or 3 years to make a personal injury claim. Complaints against the police should be made within 12 months and you may be asked for an explanation if you are logging a complaint after this point. There may be exceptions if you’re claiming on behalf of a child or bringing a claim on behalf of someone without the mental capacity to bring their own.

Complaints are dealt with by the IOPC or the Professional Standards Department (PSD) within the police force in question.

‘Local resolution’ is for less serious complaints made to the PSD. It aims to explain what happened and, if appropriate, issue an apology. ‘Local investigation’ is for more serious complaints, including unlawful arrest. It’s a full investigation into the conduct of the officer(s), with a report concluding whether there’s a case for misconduct or gross misconduct.

In the most serious cases, the IOPC will conduct a supervised investigation, managed investigation, or independent investigation (which they choose is very important, and we always recommend having us on hand to ensure they’re investigating properly). If there is evidence of misconduct, the officer(s) could be subject to disciplinary action or criminal charges. In the case of criminal charges, the case will be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.