Police Complaints in Scotland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UK Acts of Parliament, 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?
The complaints system is layered. Less serious matters — rudeness, poor service, low-level mistakes — go to the force's own Professional Standards Department (PSD). Serious ones — excessive force, discrimination, deaths or serious injuries in custody, corruption — go to or get referred up to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the watchdog that replaced the IPCC in 2018.
Three different bodies cover the three jurisdictions:
- England and Wales — Professional Standards Department for routine, IOPC for serious or appealed cases
- Scotland — Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC)
- Northern Ireland — Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI)
You don't need to have been the direct victim — you can complain on someone else's behalf with their permission, and witnesses can complain about what they saw.
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 to Do If You Have Been Mistreated by UK Police
Move quickly. CCTV gets overwritten on rolling cycles — sometimes 28 days, sometimes less — and witness memories fade.
- File directly with the force (at a station, in writing, or online) or directly with the IOPC. Either route works; the IOPC will pass routine matters back down.
- Write everything down now — dates, times, locations, shoulder numbers, vehicle markings, witnesses. Memory degrades fast.
- If the force's handling falls short, you can review or appeal to the IOPC. The route depends on the seriousness — the form will guide you.
- Hurt? Get medical treatment immediately and keep every record. Photographs of injuries with timestamps matter for both the complaint and any civil action under the Human Rights Act or the tort of trespass to the person.
- Look for solicitors who advertise in "actions against the police," "police law," or "civil liberties." Many work on no-win-no-fee arrangements for serious cases.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't delay. Evidence vanishes — body-worn video and CCTV especially.
- Don't assume nothing will happen. The IOPC can direct investigations, recommend gross misconduct hearings, and refer cases to the CPS for criminal charges.
- Don't confront the officer directly. Anything you say can become part of a counter-allegation. The formal process is the safer route.
How Scotland differs from UK national law
In Scotland, police complaints are handled differently:
- The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) is the independent oversight body — not the IOPC (which covers England & Wales only).
- PIRC investigates serious incidents involving Police Scotland and the British Transport Police in Scotland.
- Less serious complaints go through Police Scotland's Professional Standards Department.
- You can also raise a complaint through the Scottish Police Authority (SPA).
Additional Steps in Scotland
- Contact PIRC at pirc.scot or call 0808 178 5577.
Relevant Law: Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006
Common Questions
When does police complaints 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 I do if a police officer in the UK has treated me unfairly or used excessive force?
Move quickly. CCTV gets overwritten on rolling cycles — sometimes 28 days, sometimes less — and witness memories fade.File directly with the force (at a station, in writing, or online) or directly with the IOPC. Either route works; the IOPC will pass routine matters back down.Write everything down now — dates, times, locations, shoulder numbers, vehicle markings, witnesses. Memory degrades fast.If the force's handling falls short, you can review or appeal to the IOPC. The route depends on the seriousness — the form will guide you.Hurt? Get medical treatment immediately and keep every record. P...
What mistakes should I avoid with police complaints?
Don't delay. Evidence vanishes — body-worn video and CCTV especially.Don't assume nothing will happen. The IOPC can direct investigations, recommend gross misconduct hearings, and refer cases to the CPS for criminal charges.Don't confront the officer directly. Anything you say can become part of a counter-allegation. The formal process is the safer route.