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When to consider making a complaint
If you believe a police officer in the UK acted improperly, you have the right to complain. This could involve rude behaviour, unfair treatment, misuse of powers, discrimination, or a failure to follow procedure.
You do not need to be certain that a serious wrongdoing occurred before complaining. If something felt wrong, it is reasonable to raise it and ask for it to be reviewed.
How to make the complaint
The simplest way is usually to complain directly to the police force involved. Most police forces in England and Wales have an online complaints form, and you can also complain in writing or by phone.
In your complaint, include the date, time, location, officer details if you know them, and a clear account of what happened. It helps to explain how the incident affected you and what outcome you want.
What happens next
The police force should acknowledge your complaint and decide how it will be handled. Some complaints are resolved locally, while more serious matters may be investigated in more detail.
You may be contacted for more information or asked to provide evidence such as photos, messages, videos, or witness details. Keep copies of everything you send and note down the names of anyone you speak to.
If you are unhappy with the outcome
If you are not satisfied with the response, you may be able to ask for a review. In some cases, especially for more serious complaints, the matter can be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, known as the IOPC.
The IOPC oversees the police complaints system in England and Wales. It can independently investigate certain cases or review how a complaint was handled.
Getting support and staying practical
If the issue is serious, such as assault, discrimination, or unlawful arrest, consider getting advice from a solicitor, advice centre, or support organisation. If you were injured or traumatised, keep medical records and seek support as soon as possible.
Try to make your complaint as soon as you can while the details are fresh. Clear, factual notes are often the most helpful, and they can make it easier for your complaint to be taken seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use this process when you want to report that a police officer in the UK behaved improperly, unfairly, abusively, dishonestly, or unlawfully while on duty or in connection with police work.
You can usually complain to the relevant police force's professional standards department, via the force website, in person, by phone, or in writing. In serious cases, the complaint may be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Anyone directly affected by the officer's conduct, a witness, or someone acting on behalf of the affected person can usually make a complaint about police officer acted improperly UK.
Include the date, time, location, officer details if known, what happened, any witnesses, reference numbers, photos, videos, and why you believe the conduct was improper.
You can try to submit information anonymously, but it may limit what the police can investigate or tell you in response because they may not be able to contact you for more details.
You should complain as soon as possible. Some complaints can still be considered later, but delays can affect evidence, investigation, and whether the complaint is accepted.
The police force will usually assess the complaint, decide how it should be handled, and may contact you for more information. It may be resolved locally, investigated, or referred to the IOPC.
Yes, if the officer's conduct was connected to their role, authority, identification as an officer, or impacted public trust in policing, you may still be able to complain.
Yes. If you believe an officer acted improperly through discrimination, racism, sexism, homophobia, disability discrimination, or similar behavior, you can raise that as part of your complaint.
Yes. Excessive or unnecessary force is a serious matter and should be reported promptly, with any medical evidence, photos, video, and witness details if available.
Yes. If you believe an officer arrested or detained you improperly, you can complain and provide details of what happened, any paperwork, and any witnesses or recordings.
Yes. Witnesses and family members may be able to complain or help provide information, especially if the affected person is unable to do so themselves.
Submit the complaint in writing and keep copies of everything you send and receive. Ask for a reference number and keep notes, evidence, and timelines for your records.
It can be reported separately from any criminal case, but it may interact with proceedings. You may wish to seek legal advice if the complaint and a criminal matter overlap.
Yes. If you believe an officer provided false, misleading, or inaccurate information, you can report that and include any documents, recordings, or other evidence that supports your concern.
Yes. If you are not satisfied, you can ask for a review or escalation, depending on how the complaint was handled and the outcome you received.
Useful evidence includes body-worn video references, CCTV, photos, messages, call logs, medical records, witness statements, and any notes made immediately after the incident.
Many UK police forces provide an online or downloadable complaint form, but you can also often complain by letter, email, phone, or in person.
Yes, in certain serious cases or if you are dissatisfied with how the police force handled the matter, the complaint may go to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Possible outcomes include an apology, explanation, local resolution, disciplinary action, policy changes, or a formal investigation, depending on the seriousness and evidence.
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