Police Complaints
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on UK Acts of Parliament, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
What is this right?
If you believe the police have treated you unfairly, used excessive force, been discriminatory, or broken the rules, you have the right to make a complaint.
Complaints are handled by:
- The police force's Professional Standards Department (for less serious matters)
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) — the independent watchdog that oversees the complaints system and investigates the most serious cases
In Scotland, complaints are handled by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC). In Northern Ireland, by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.
When does it apply?
- You can complain about any police officer or member of police staff.
- Complaints should normally be made within 12 months of the incident, though late complaints can be accepted if there are good reasons.
- You do not have to have been directly affected — you can complain on someone else's behalf with their permission.
- Serious matters — deaths in custody, serious injuries, corruption, discrimination — are automatically referred to the IOPC.
What should you do?
- You can complain directly to the police force (at a police station, in writing, or online) or directly to the IOPC.
- Write down everything you remember as soon as possible — dates, times, locations, badge numbers, witnesses.
- If you're not happy with how your complaint is handled, you can appeal to the IOPC.
- If you were injured, seek medical treatment and keep records — you may also have a civil claim.
- Consider getting legal advice — some solicitors specialise in actions against the police (look for "police law" or "civil liberties" firms).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't delay — evidence and CCTV can be lost. Report as soon as you can.
- Don't assume nothing will happen — the IOPC has powers to direct investigations and recommend disciplinary action.
- Don't confront the officer directly — use the formal complaints process instead.
How Northern Ireland differs from UK national law
Northern Ireland has a distinct police complaints system:
- All complaints about the PSNI are investigated by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland — a fully independent office with its own investigators.
- This is different from England (where complaints first go to the force, with IOPC oversight) — in NI, the Ombudsman investigates directly from the start.
- The Ombudsman can investigate current and historical complaints, including Troubles-related incidents.
- Complaints can be made online, by phone, in person, or by post.
Additional Steps in Northern Ireland
- Contact the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland at 0800 032 7880 or policeombudsman.org.
Relevant Law: Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998; Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000
Legal Resources
We may earn a commission if you use these services — at no extra cost to you. This supports our mission to make legal information free for everyone.