Police Complaints Procedure

Challenging the police can feel like an impossible task.

Anyone can complain to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), but it deals with huge volumes of complaints and often prioritises the most serious ones (involving serious injury and death). It can be a very complicated and drawn out process.

Even if your case is considered, the complaints system is notoriously complex and can be very frustrating.

We have extensive experience of this process and may be able to help you:

• Make your complaint to the IOPC
• Appeal the outcome of a complaint
• Make a complaint alongside a compensation claim.

What’s the process for making a claim against the police?

1. You’ll speak to one of our friendly team on the phone. You can talk to us about your situation, and we’ll assess whether or not we can help you. If we’re able to take your claim forward, we’ll get started right away.
2. Our expert team will look into your case in detail, compiling evidence to make sure your case is as strong as possible. Where appropriate – for example in the case of personal injury – we’ll obtain expert medical opinion to support your claim and show the impact on your life. Bringing a claim against the police may involve first filing a police complaint. If this is the case, we’ll be able to advise you through the process.
3. Once we have everything we need, we’ll attempt to settle your claim. Most cases settle out of court and that is always our preferred option, but if this isn’t possible, we will support you through the trial and help you with any court appearance.

How long do I have to make a claim?

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.

How are police complaints dealt with?

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.