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How to complain about the police in the UK
If you are unhappy with the way the police have treated you, you can make a complaint. In the UK, complaints can cover things like rude behaviour, discrimination, poor investigation, unlawful arrest, or failure to respond properly.
You do not need a solicitor to complain. In many cases, you can raise the issue directly with the police force involved.
Who to complain to
The first place to complain is usually the police force you are unhappy with. Each force has a complaints department or professional standards team that deals with concerns from the public.
If the matter is more serious, or you do not feel comfortable complaining directly, you can ask for the complaint to be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, often called the IOPC.
How to make a complaint
You can complain online, by phone, by email, or in writing. Most police force websites have a complaints form that makes the process easier.
When you complain, give as much detail as possible. Include the date, time, location, officer names or badge numbers if you know them, and a clear explanation of what happened.
It is also helpful to keep copies of any messages, letters, photos, videos, or witness details that support your complaint.
What happens next
The police should acknowledge your complaint and tell you how it will be handled. Some complaints are dealt with by local police managers, while others may be investigated more formally.
You may be contacted for more information. In some cases, you may also be invited to discuss the complaint or provide a statement.
If you are not satisfied
If you are unhappy with the outcome, you may be able to ask for a review. The review process depends on how your complaint was handled and whether it was suitable for appeal.
For the most serious cases, the IOPC may independently investigate or supervise the investigation. You can also seek advice from a law centre, Citizens Advice, or a solicitor if you need support.
Deadlines and support
It is best to complain as soon as you can while the details are fresh. Even if some time has passed, it may still be possible to make a complaint.
If you have been injured, arrested, or believe your human rights were breached, getting legal advice early can help. Keeping a clear record of events will make it easier to explain your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can complain about the police in the UK by contacting the police force involved, using its complaints process, or making a complaint through the Independent Office for Police Conduct if the matter is serious. Keep notes, dates, names, and any evidence to support your complaint.
Anyone directly affected by police conduct in the UK can usually complain, including members of the public, witnesses, victims, and people acting on behalf of someone else in appropriate cases.
You can complain about misconduct, poor service, discrimination, excessive force, rudeness, delays, failures to investigate, unlawful arrest, or any other conduct by police in the UK that you think was wrong.
You can usually submit a complaint to the relevant police force in the UK through its website, by email, by post, by phone, or in person. Some complaints can also be made through the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
It is best to complain about the police in the UK as soon as possible after the incident so details are fresh and evidence is easier to gather, but complaints can sometimes still be accepted later.
You can raise concerns anonymously in some cases, but anonymous complaints may be harder to investigate because the police may not be able to ask you for more information or updates.
Yes, you can complain about the police in the UK even if you were arrested. A complaint can be made about the arrest itself, the treatment you received, or any other police conduct during the incident.
If you want to complain about the police in the UK for excessive force, include a clear account of what happened, any injuries, medical records, witness details, photos, and any video evidence if available.
To complain about the police in the UK for discrimination, explain why you believe the treatment was discriminatory, identify the protected characteristic involved if relevant, and provide dates, officers' details, and supporting evidence.
When you complain about the police in the UK, include dates, times, locations, officer names or badge numbers, reference numbers, witness details, photos, videos, medical records, and copies of any messages or documents.
The time to resolve a complaint about the police in the UK varies depending on complexity, seriousness, and the evidence needed. Simple complaints may be handled faster, while serious matters can take much longer.
You should usually receive confirmation that your complaint has been logged, and you may also receive updates during the investigation. The amount of communication depends on the force and the nature of the complaint.
Yes, someone can sometimes complain about the police in the UK on your behalf, such as a solicitor, family member, advocate, or representative, especially if you consent or are unable to complain yourself.
After you complain about the police in the UK, the complaint is usually assessed, recorded, and either handled locally or referred for further investigation depending on its seriousness.
Yes, if you are not satisfied with the local police response, you can ask for a review or escalation and, in serious cases, you may be able to take the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
If your complaint about the police in the UK is ignored, you can follow up in writing, ask for a reference number, request a review, or contact the Independent Office for Police Conduct if the matter qualifies.
Yes, you can complain about the police in the UK for poor service, such as slow responses, failure to return calls, lost paperwork, unclear communication, or other service problems.
No, you do not need a solicitor to complain about the police in the UK, although legal advice can be helpful if the issue is serious, complex, or involves potential claims or criminal proceedings.
Yes, you can complain about the police in the UK in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, but the exact complaints process and oversight body may differ depending on the part of the UK.
When you complain about the police in the UK, possible outcomes include an apology, an explanation, corrective action, officer misconduct proceedings, service improvements, or referral to an oversight body for further action.
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