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Telephone switchboard
0300 020 0096
We welcome telephone calls in Welsh (press option 2).
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg (pwyswch opsiwn 2).
Lines are open 9amto 5pm, Monday to Friday. For our joint protection and training purposes calls may be recorded.
enquiries@policeconduct.gov.uk
Please note that our computer systems are not able to receive attachments larger than 7.5 megabytes in size.
For recruitment related enquiries please contact jobs@policeconduct.gov.uk.
Our Report Line for police officers/staff
Read more about our Report Line in our guides for police officers/staff.
Emailor phone 08458 770 061 (open from 9am to 5pm, or leave a voice mail after hours)
Text relay
If you require text relay services to communicate with us, please call 18001 020 8104 1220. You will need the Relay UK app installed on your phone or computer to use this service.
Orderingpublications
You can ordercopies of ourpublications usingour order form.
Post
We encourage you to contact us by email, rather than post. If you need to make a complaint, please use our online complaint form.All correspondence and supporting documentation received by our Casework and Customer Services Directorate will be copied electronically. The paperwork will then be securely destroyed after 21 days unlessthe senderrequests that the originalsbe retained, in which case they will be returned by standard delivery post.
How to contact our Data Protection Officer
The IOPC as a public authority have a designated Data Protection Officer and a Freedom of Information and Data Protection Team. If you have any concerns about the way we collect, handle or process your data please contact the team either via our switchboard or by emailing dpo1@policeconduct.gov.uk.
Complaints and feedback about our staff or service
To complain or provide feedback about a member of our staff or the service we have provided, please read the information on our service page.
Please note that this information is not about making a complaint against the police. To complain about the police visit our make a complaint page.
By post
To posta completed complaint or appeal form to us, please use the following address:
Independent Office for Police Conduct
PO Box 473
Sale
M33 0BW
An act of parliament that provides the core framework of police powers to combat crime and provide codes of practice for the exercise of these powers.
Leads and manages the development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The body that represents the interests of all police constables, sergeants, and inspectors.
Deals with someone’s inability or failure to perform to a satisfactory level, but without breaching the Standards of Professional Behaviour.
Focuses on putting an issue right and preventing it from happening again by encouraging those involved to reflect on their actions and learn. It is not a disciplinary process or a disciplinary outcome.
Department within a police force that deals with complaints and conduct matters.
Refers to lower-level misconduct or performance-related issues, which are dealt with in a proportionate and constructive manner.
This means doing what is appropriate in the circumstances, taking into account the facts and the context in which the complaint has been raised, within the framework of legislation and guidance.
The average is calculated using the individual results of the forces in that most similar force group.
An investigation carried out by IOPC staff.
Carried out by the police under their own direction and control. The IOPC sets the terms of reference and receives the investigation report when it is complete. Complainants have a right of appeal following a supervised investigation (unless it is an investigation into a direction and control matter).
This act sets out how the police complaints system operates.
How a police force is run, for example policing standards or policing policy.
An investigation carried out by the police under the direction and control of the IOPC.
The organisation that is responsible for assessing how to deal with a complaint. For example – whether it can be handled locally or reaches the criteria for referral to the IOPC. The appropriate authority may be the chief officer of the police force or the PCC for the force. If a complaint investigation finds that someone has a case to answer for misconduct, the appropriate authority is responsible for arranging any misconduct proceedings. If you make a complaint, the appropriate authority for your case will contact you.
An intelligence-led agency with law enforcement powers, it is also responsible for reducing the harm that is caused to people and communities by serious organised crime.
Policing bodies include police and crime commissioners, the Common Council for the City of London, or the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime.
Investigations carried out entirely by the police. Complainants have a right of appeal following a local investigation (unless it is an investigation into a direction and control matter).
IOPC guidance to the police service and police authorities on the handling of complaints.
A complaint or recordable conduct matter that doesn’t need to be referred to the IOPC, but where the seriousness or circumstances justifies referral.
Parameters within which an investigation is conducted.
A person is adversely affected if he or she suffers any form of loss or damage, distress or inconvenience, if he or she is put in danger or is otherwise unduly put at risk of being adversely affected.
This is where a manager deals with the way someone has behaved. It can include: showing the police officer or member of staff how their behaviour fell short of expectations set out in the Standards of Professional Behaviour; identifying expectations for future conduct; or addressing any underlying causes of misconduct.
This could be the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Common Council for the City of London, or the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime.
A flexible process for dealing with complaints that can be adapted to the needs of the complainant. It may involve, for example, providing information and an explanation, an apology, or a meeting between the complainant and the officer involved.
A flexible process for dealing with complaints that can be adapted to the needs of the complainant. It may involve, for example, providing information and an explanation, an apology, or a meeting between the complainant and the officer involved.
A breach of standards of professional behaviour by police officers or staff so serious it could justify their dismissal.
A matter where no complaint has been received, but where there is an indication that a person serving with the police may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
Quarter 1 covers 1 April - 30 JuneQuarter 2 covers 1 April - 30 SeptemberQuarter 3 covers 1 April - 31 DecemberQuarter 4 covers the full financial year (1 April - 31 March).
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
Used to house anyone who has been detained.
Complainants have the right to appeal to the IOPC if a police force did not record their complaint or notify the correct police force if it was made originally to the wrong force.
The purpose of an investigation is to establish the facts behind a complaint, conduct matter, or DSI matter and reach conclusions. An investigator looks into matters and produces a report that sets out and analyses the evidence. There are three types of investigations: local, directed and independent.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
The type of behaviour being complained about. A single complaint case can have one or many allegations attached.
A person who makes a complaint about the conduct of someone serving with the police.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
List of officers and staff who have been dismissed from policing, or would have been if they had not retired or resigned.
The type of behaviour being complained about. A single complaint case can have one or many allegations attached.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
An independent judicial officer, the coroner enquires into deaths reported to him/her.
A breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour that would justify at least a written warning.
No further action may be taken with regard to a complaint if the complainant decides to retract their allegation(s).
A record is made of a complaint, giving it formal status as a complaint under the Police Reform Act 2002.
This is a format where information is written in plain English and short sentences.
The IOPC must be notified about specific types of complaint or incidents to be able to decide how they should be dealt with.
No further action may be taken with regard to a complaint if the complainant decides to retract their allegation(s).
Casework involves assessing appeals. Casework staff also have a role in overseeing the police complaints system to help ensure police forces handle complaints in the best possible way.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
Conduct includes acts, omissions, statements and decisions (whether actual, alleged or inferred). For example: language used and the manner or tone of communications.
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
Media contact
If you are a member of the media and have an enquirycheck who is the best member of our team to contact and how.
An act of parliament that provides the core framework of police powers to combat crime and provide codes of practice for the exercise of these powers.
Leads and manages the development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The body that represents the interests of all police constables, sergeants, and inspectors.
Deals with someone’s inability or failure to perform to a satisfactory level, but without breaching the Standards of Professional Behaviour.
Focuses on putting an issue right and preventing it from happening again by encouraging those involved to reflect on their actions and learn. It is not a disciplinary process or a disciplinary outcome.
Department within a police force that deals with complaints and conduct matters.
Refers to lower-level misconduct or performance-related issues, which are dealt with in a proportionate and constructive manner.
This means doing what is appropriate in the circumstances, taking into account the facts and the context in which the complaint has been raised, within the framework of legislation and guidance.
The average is calculated using the individual results of the forces in that most similar force group.
An investigation carried out by IOPC staff.
Carried out by the police under their own direction and control. The IOPC sets the terms of reference and receives the investigation report when it is complete. Complainants have a right of appeal following a supervised investigation (unless it is an investigation into a direction and control matter).
This act sets out how the police complaints system operates.
How a police force is run, for example policing standards or policing policy.
An investigation carried out by the police under the direction and control of the IOPC.
The organisation that is responsible for assessing how to deal with a complaint. For example – whether it can be handled locally or reaches the criteria for referral to the IOPC. The appropriate authority may be the chief officer of the police force or the PCC for the force. If a complaint investigation finds that someone has a case to answer for misconduct, the appropriate authority is responsible for arranging any misconduct proceedings. If you make a complaint, the appropriate authority for your case will contact you.
An intelligence-led agency with law enforcement powers, it is also responsible for reducing the harm that is caused to people and communities by serious organised crime.
Policing bodies include police and crime commissioners, the Common Council for the City of London, or the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime.
Investigations carried out entirely by the police. Complainants have a right of appeal following a local investigation (unless it is an investigation into a direction and control matter).
IOPC guidance to the police service and police authorities on the handling of complaints.
A complaint or recordable conduct matter that doesn’t need to be referred to the IOPC, but where the seriousness or circumstances justifies referral.
Parameters within which an investigation is conducted.
A person is adversely affected if he or she suffers any form of loss or damage, distress or inconvenience, if he or she is put in danger or is otherwise unduly put at risk of being adversely affected.
This is where a manager deals with the way someone has behaved. It can include: showing the police officer or member of staff how their behaviour fell short of expectations set out in the Standards of Professional Behaviour; identifying expectations for future conduct; or addressing any underlying causes of misconduct.
This could be the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Common Council for the City of London, or the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime.
A flexible process for dealing with complaints that can be adapted to the needs of the complainant. It may involve, for example, providing information and an explanation, an apology, or a meeting between the complainant and the officer involved.
A flexible process for dealing with complaints that can be adapted to the needs of the complainant. It may involve, for example, providing information and an explanation, an apology, or a meeting between the complainant and the officer involved.
A breach of standards of professional behaviour by police officers or staff so serious it could justify their dismissal.
A matter where no complaint has been received, but where there is an indication that a person serving with the police may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
Quarter 1 covers 1 April - 30 JuneQuarter 2 covers 1 April - 30 SeptemberQuarter 3 covers 1 April - 31 DecemberQuarter 4 covers the full financial year (1 April - 31 March).
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
Used to house anyone who has been detained.
Complainants have the right to appeal to the IOPC if a police force did not record their complaint or notify the correct police force if it was made originally to the wrong force.
The purpose of an investigation is to establish the facts behind a complaint, conduct matter, or DSI matter and reach conclusions. An investigator looks into matters and produces a report that sets out and analyses the evidence. There are three types of investigations: local, directed and independent.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
The type of behaviour being complained about. A single complaint case can have one or many allegations attached.
A person who makes a complaint about the conduct of someone serving with the police.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
List of officers and staff who have been dismissed from policing, or would have been if they had not retired or resigned.
The type of behaviour being complained about. A single complaint case can have one or many allegations attached.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
An independent judicial officer, the coroner enquires into deaths reported to him/her.
A breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour that would justify at least a written warning.
No further action may be taken with regard to a complaint if the complainant decides to retract their allegation(s).
A record is made of a complaint, giving it formal status as a complaint under the Police Reform Act 2002.
This is a format where information is written in plain English and short sentences.
The IOPC must be notified about specific types of complaint or incidents to be able to decide how they should be dealt with.
No further action may be taken with regard to a complaint if the complainant decides to retract their allegation(s).
Casework involves assessing appeals. Casework staff also have a role in overseeing the police complaints system to help ensure police forces handle complaints in the best possible way.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
Conduct includes acts, omissions, statements and decisions (whether actual, alleged or inferred). For example: language used and the manner or tone of communications.
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
Careers at IOPC
Work for us and be involved in some of the most challenging work you’ll encounter. And the most rewarding. Whatever your role, you’ll help boost public confidence in the police complaints system.
Visit our careers page
FAQs
What is the role of the independent Office for police conduct? ›
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) oversees the police complaints system in England and Wales. We investigate the most serious matters, including deaths following police contact, and set the standards by which the police should handle complaints.
What is a police conduct matter? ›It is not a disciplinary process or a disciplinary outcome. Department within a police force that deals with complaints and conduct matters. Refers to lower-level misconduct or performance-related issues, which are dealt with in a proportionate and constructive manner.
How long do it take for IOPC investigations? ›The information within the report can explain the relevant factors and processes affecting timeliness. An IOPC independent investigation is redetermined to a local investigation. The local investigation goes over 12 months.
What does the Independent Police Complaints Commission do? ›(IPCC) Deals with complaints and conduct matters against police officers and staff. Misconduct could include a police officer or member of police staff being rude to you or using excessive force. It could also include unlawful arrest or an abuse of your rights.
What happens when you file a complaint against a police officer? ›First, suing a police officer in a civil lawsuit generally involves preparing for a trial and going to court. If you are able to prove your complaint against the officer, the judge may order the officer to pay damages for the injuries you suffered.
What do you do if you are not happy with the police investigation? ›Send your complaint form to the police station you are complaining about. Or the IOPC. You can find a copy of this form by using the above website link. You can also call them on 0300 020 0096 and ask for a hard copy.
How long do the police have to investigate a complaint? ›There is no general time limit for how long a police investigation can stay open in England and Wales. For summary only offences, which are heard in the Magistrates' Court, the case must be heard within twelve months of the crime.
Can you challenge a police decision? ›If you want to appeal you have to go through the court, not the police. You need to complete part one, two or three on the notice to identify either yourself or someone else as the driver. Failure to do this is an offence in itself.
Who investigates the police force? ›The Commissaire à la déontologie policière receives and examines complaints involving police officers.
Who runs the Independent Police Complaints Commission? ›We are led by a Director General, Michael Lockwood. Michael leads the executive team and he chairs the Board of the IOPC, which includes six non-executive directors.
How are police held accountable for their actions? ›
Civil lawsuits are a primary mechanism to hold police officers and departments accountable for their actions: while the federal government typically investigates a handful of police departments each year, “private litigants filed over 15,000 cases in federal district courts to enforce civil rights, and incarcerated ...
What to do if police is not helping? ›If the police's response to the complaint is unsatisfactory, it is possible to appeal to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (formerly Independent Police Complaints Commission) – and then, if necessary, to seek judicial review of that decision.
What is a conduct matter? ›Any action by a cop that indicates the need for disciplinary actions or punitive measures due to misbehavior and/or criminal offense is a “conduct matter” for the police. A cop is liable on any charges whenever a conduct matter is made upon them.
Why are police misconduct hearings important? ›to protect the public, • to maintain public confidence in the police service, and • to uphold high standards in policing and deter misconduct.
What is the most common complaint against police? ›5. The most common complaint concerns excessive use of force. 6. Complaints of excessive use of force are usually sustained less often than other types of complaints.
Can you sue the police for incompetence? ›You can take court action against the police for damages if a police officer has done something against the law, or failed to do something. However, these cases are rarely successful. You should get advice from a solicitor. Your legal costs might be more than the amount of damages you would get.
How do I file a complaint against a local police department? ›Complaints About Police Officers
Contact the law enforcement agency involved. Submit your complaint in writing to the chief of police or the head of the law enforcement agency involved. Send a copy of your complaint to the Internal Affairs Division of the law enforcement agency. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself.
Add the name and address of the police station to the letter you're writing. Put the date that you're sending out the complaint letter below the police department's address. Explain the nature of your complaint in the first paragraph. Talk briefly about the issue you have with the department, staff member or officer.
Does FIR against a person means his career is finished? ›Yes, if he is applying abroad, it will affect his career. However, it doesn't apply in India if you are going to engage him with any private or public industry.. Police verification is a very tedious process and it requires lot of time, which is not even properly followed in many Govt industries.
Do the police have a duty to investigate a crime? ›In certain circumstances, the police's failure to investigate serious offences may amount to a breach of the Human Rights Act. This is because the police must carry out effective investigations into allegations of criminal offences, especially the most serious offences.
What is an independent office? ›
Independent Office means any Independent Office established by the Constitution or federal law, compatible with the Constitution; Sample 1.
Is the IOPC part of the civil service? ›About the IOPC
As a totally independent body, not part of the police or government, we investigate and make decisions on serious and sensitive cases, including where police action may have led to death or serious injury. Our work is challenging and high-profile.
The IOPC's overall rate is to close 79% of its cases within 12 months.
Who holds the police accountable UK? ›In respect of police accountability, all police in the UK are subject to an independent oversight body. There are four bodies which cover different geographical areas. The purpose of such bodies to ensure that the quality of policing keeps improving.
What are the three primary powers of independent administrative agencies? ›Usually, the agency will have all three kinds of power: executive, legislative, and judicial. (That is, the agency can set the rules that business must comply with, can investigate and prosecute those businesses, and can hold administrative hearings for violations of those rules.
What are the roles and responsibilities of the three independent branches of government? ›- The Legislative Branch to make the laws. Congress is made up of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- The Executive Branch to enforce the laws.
- The Judicial Branch to interpret the laws.
Although asked to rule that independent agencies, as such, are always unconstitutional if they are not directly supervised by the president, the appeals court said it was bound by a 1935 Supreme Court decision upholding the creation of such agencies to use executive-style power while not being answerable to the White ...
Can I sue the police for not investigating UK? ›You can take court action against the police for damages if a police officer has done something against the law, or failed to do something. However, these cases are rarely successful. You should get advice from a solicitor. Your legal costs might be more than the amount of damages you would get.
What can you do if police won't help UK? ›In England and Wales, you can complain through the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC for short), which will make sure your complaint gets to the right people. To do this you can: use the “Complain to the force directly” drop-down tool on the IOPC website to select the relevant local police force.
How are police held accountable for their actions? ›Civil lawsuits are a primary mechanism to hold police officers and departments accountable for their actions: while the federal government typically investigates a handful of police departments each year, “private litigants filed over 15,000 cases in federal district courts to enforce civil rights, and incarcerated ...
Is the IOPC really independent? ›
On 8 January 2018, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) became the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). This change was set out in the Policing and Crime Act 2017.
Who holds the IOPC accountable? ›2.1. The Home Secretary holds overall responsibility for the Home Office and its agencies and will account for the IOPC's business in Parliament. 2.
Who governs the IOPC? ›We are led by a Director General, Michael Lockwood. Michael leads the executive team and he chairs the Board of the IOPC, which includes six non-executive directors.
What are some of the obstacles to police accountability? ›Police union collective bargaining and private arbitration have historically posed major obstacles to accountability. Too often, local governments pass accountability measures that police union collective bargaining agreements ultimately render meaningless.
How do you ensure police accountability? ›This expectation placed on law enforcement agencies by public communities is further accompanied by the expectation that all citizens will be treated equally under the law. Systems that help assure police accountability include democratic elections, public reviews, internal reviews and processes for citizen reviews.
What is governance in policing? ›Thus, the City Corporation provides policing governance for the City of London Police, ie it is a 'local policing body' whose job is to: make sure the City of London Police runs an effective and efficient service by holding the Commissioner to account. ensure value for money in the way the police is run.