Guides › Public Services › How to Complain About the Police
How to Complain About the Police
The best way to complain about the police is to contact the force involved, in writing, on 101 or at a police station. You can also use the IOPC website, which passes your complaint to the force. Most complaints are handled by the force. If you are unhappy with the outcome, you can apply for a review within 28 days.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
How It Works
Making a Complaint
Contact the force involved in writing, by phone on 101 or at any police station, or use the IOPC website form, which sends it to the force (the IOPC keeps no copy). Most complaints are dealt with by the force's professional standards department; the IOPC investigates only the most serious matters, such as a death or serious injury after police contact. Outcomes can include an explanation, an apology, learning for an officer, policy changes or no further action. source
Reviews
If you are unhappy with the outcome you can apply for a review within 28 days; depending on the case this is the police and crime commissioner, the force or the IOPC. For complaints made on or after 1 February 2020 you have a right of review, and the outcome letter should name the review body. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 28 daysApply for a reviewAfter the outcome
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Write down what happened: date, place, officers' numbers.
Step 2 of 5
Complain to the force or through the IOPC website.
Step 3 of 5
Keep your complaint reference.
Step 4 of 5
Read the outcome letter for the review body.
Step 5 of 5
Apply for a review within 28 days.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Police Force
Complain directly, or through the IOPC website.
Independent Office for Police Conduct
Serious matters and some reviews.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
If you are in danger, call 999.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- policeconduct.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/20220707_A_guide_to_complaint_system_2022.pdf Checked 13 October 2026
- policeconduct.gov.uk/complaints/reviews-and-appeals Checked 13 October 2026