Complaints Against Police in Iceland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Iceland has an independent body for police oversight — the Committee for the Supervision of Police (Nefnd um eftirlit með lögreglu), operational since 1 January 2017.
- The Committee receives reports from citizens regarding alleged criminal conduct by police officers, police procedures, or officer conduct.
- It must examine cases where someone dies or suffers serious bodily injury in connection with police work.
- It may examine police incidents on its own initiative.
Composition: 3 members — one appointed by the Bar Association of Iceland, one by the Icelandic Human Rights Centre, and one by the Minister of Justice (who serves as chair).
The Committee reviews complaints and directs them to the appropriate prosecutor or police commissioner. It does not have prosecutorial authority.
When does it apply?
- You believe a police officer has committed a criminal act, used excessive force, or acted improperly.
- A person has been killed or seriously injured during a police operation.
What to Do If a Police Officer Has Mistreated or Acted Unlawfully Toward You in Iceland
- File a complaint with the Committee for the Supervision of Police — website: nel.is.
- You may also complain to the Parliamentary Ombudsman (Umboðsmaður Alþingis), who can investigate public officials and issue recommendations.
- Document everything — names, badge numbers, witnesses, photographs.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't delay filing — file your complaint as soon as possible while evidence and memories are fresh.
- Don't confront the officer — use the formal complaint process instead.
Common Questions
Where do I file a police complaint in Iceland?
With the Committee for the Supervision of Police (Nefnd um eftirlit með lögreglu), operational since 1 January 2017 under the Police Act (Lögreglulög, Lög nr. 90/1996, as amended 2016). The website is nel.is. The Committee receives reports of alleged criminal conduct by police, complaints about police procedures, or officer misconduct. You may also complain to the Parliamentary Ombudsman (Umboðsmaður Alþingis).
Who oversees the Icelandic police?
The Committee for the Supervision of Police is an independent body with 3 members — one appointed by the Bar Association of Iceland, one by the Icelandic Human Rights Centre, and one by the Minister of Justice (who chairs). It must examine cases where someone dies or suffers serious bodily injury in connection with police work and may examine incidents on its own initiative.
What should I include in an Icelandic police complaint?
Document everything — names, badge numbers, witnesses, photographs. File your complaint as soon as possible while evidence and memories are fresh. The Committee does not have prosecutorial authority; it reviews complaints and directs them to the appropriate prosecutor or police commissioner. Don't confront the officer — use the formal complaint process instead.
When does it apply — complaints against police?
You believe a police officer has committed a criminal act, used excessive force, or acted improperly.A person has been killed or seriously injured during a police operation.
What should I do if I want to file a complaint against a police officer in Iceland?
File a complaint with the Committee for the Supervision of Police — website: nel.is.You may also complain to the Parliamentary Ombudsman (Umboðsmaður Alþingis), who can investigate public officials and issue recommendations.Document everything — names, badge numbers, witnesses, photographs.
What should you NOT do — complaints against police?
Don't delay filing — file your complaint as soon as possible while evidence and memories are fresh.Don't confront the officer — use the formal complaint process instead.