A short guide to police complaints

This paper sets out the key information needed to understand the police complaints system. It describes the roles and responsibilities of the system’s key actors and where to find further information about police complaints.

It discusses the handling of casework involving constituents who are dissatisfied with the police but haven’t yet complained. It explains how these constituents can complain. It also provides information to help those handling casework involving general dissatisfaction with police performance, dissatisfied victims and people seeking financial compensation from the police.

It also discusses the handling of casework involving constituents who have already made a police complaint. It discusses the key questions MPs should ask when they receive correspondence from someone who has complained about the police. It briefly sets out the different stages of the police complaints process. It also explains when and how constituents can appeal the outcome of their complaint.