Making a police complaint

Make safety your first priority. Note the officer's number and force. Write down what happened as soon as possible. Seek medical attention if you are injured — request copies of records.

Most complaints are made through the IOPC website but are routed to the relevant force for initial assessment. The IOPC is normally not involved at the first stage. You can also write directly to the force's Professional Standards Department.

Use clear chronological order. State what happened, where, when, who was involved, and the impact. Keep facts and feelings separate. State the outcome you want — apology, disciplinary action, policy change, or further investigation.

Preserve everything: photos, videos, messages, medical records, witness contacts. You do not always have to hand evidence over at the first stage. You can describe that evidence exists. Consider getting advice before disclosing sensitive footage — disclosed material may be used by the force or other parties.

Submit a Subject Access Request to the force's Data Protection team. Reference the date, time, and location. They have one calendar month to respond. If footage is missing, ask why and request the retention log.

If your complaint was made on or after 1 February 2020 and you are unhappy with the outcome or handling, you may have a right to a review. Your outcome letter will state whether the review body is the IOPC or another policing body.

For some complaints — particularly those about force-wide issues, conduct of the chief officer, or service standards — you can write to your local Police and Crime Commissioner. Each force area has its own PCC.