Is It Worth to Make a Complaint Against the Police?

The previous article looked at why and for what reasons you can make a complaint against the police. Now, we will look at what happens as a result of such a complaint.

The police force to which you have sent a complaint will have to analyse it and then decide about whether to record it. It will contact you within 15 days to let you know about its decision and reasons for it.

If the police does not contact you or if it refuses to record your complaint you can always appeal. Instructions about how to appeal will be explained on a letter with its decision or you can appeal by filling out a form on this website: https://secureforms.ipcc.gov.uk/Pages/form_appeal_investig_prsra.aspx .

If your complaint has been recorded, however, it will either be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct or it will be dealt with by a local resolution or a local investigation.



Usually, a local resolution is implemented in a form of apologies, explanations or assurances that appropriate steps will be taken. No misconduct proceedings will take place, however, against any police officer. If you are not satisfied with it you can appeal. 

Sometimes, a local investigation will be carried out. In such situations, you will receive a letter from the police explaining to you how your complaint will be investigated. The details should be explained to you at the beginning of the investigation and you should be informed about its progress. At the end of this investigation you are going to be informed about its decision and any steps that are going to be taken. Sometimes, steps may be taken, even if the investigation does not find in your favour.

Alternatively, if actions of police officers are more serious and include things like serious assaults, sexual offences or incidents resulting with death, they are dealth with by an Independent Office for Police Conduct.

So, it is worth to make a complaint as it will be handled in an appropriate mannner, if it is made within a reasonable time. It should be made to prevent future occurences of such incidents, even if we can get only an apology. Nevertheless, we should remember that we cannot allow police officers to act unprofessionally and we should do everything we can to improve their services.




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