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 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
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.