Formal Complaint About Police Conduct
Formal complaint to a police force's Professional Standards Department about the conduct of police officers, pursuant to the Police Reform Act 2002.
When to use this template
Use this letter when you have experienced conduct by a police officer that you believe was inappropriate, unlawful, or a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour set out in Schedule 2 to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020. Examples include use of excessive force, discriminatory behaviour, unlawful arrest, or failure to investigate a crime adequately.
When NOT to use this template
This letter is for complaints about police conduct, not appeals against criminal convictions or charges. If you have been charged with an offence, contact a criminal solicitor immediately. If you have suffered a serious injury at the hands of the police, contact a solicitor specialising in civil actions against the police — you may have a damages claim as well.
Legal Basis
Police Reform Act 2002, Part 2 (handling of complaints against police); Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020; Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020; Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) Statutory Guidance. Complaints must generally be made within 12 months of the incident. The IOPC oversees the system and handles serious complaints.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Not making the complaint to the correct force — complaints must go to the force the officer belongs to, or to the IOPC directly for serious matters
- ✗Waiting too long — complaints must be made within 12 months of the incident (subject to discretionary extension)
- ✗Not keeping copies of all evidence — body worn camera footage requests should be made promptly via DSAR
- ✗Confusing a complaint with a civil claim — you may have concurrent rights
Build Your Letter
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Letter preview
[YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS] [DATE OF LETTER] Professional Standards Department [NAME OF THE POLICE FORCE] --- Dear Sir or Madam, **FORMAL COMPLAINT ABOUT POLICE CONDUCT** **Incident date: [DATE OF THE INCIDENT]** I write to make a formal complaint pursuant to the Police Reform Act 2002 regarding the conduct of officer(s) of [NAME OF THE POLICE FORCE] during an incident on [DATE OF THE INCIDENT]. **My details** Full name: [YOUR FULL NAME] Address: [YOUR ADDRESS] Date of birth: [to be provided on request] **Officer details (if known)** [OFFICER DETAILS (IF KNOWN)] **Details of my complaint** [FULL DESCRIPTION OF YOUR COMPLAINT] **Standards of Professional Behaviour** I believe the conduct described above constitutes a breach of the following Standards of Professional Behaviour set out in Schedule 2 to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020: [Complete as appropriate:] - Honesty and integrity - Authority, respect and courtesy - Equality and diversity - Use of force - Orders and instructions - Duties and responsibilities - Confidentiality - Fitness for duty - Discreditable conduct - Challenging and reporting improper conduct **Evidence** I enclose / attach the following in support of this complaint: 1. A witness statement setting out the full circumstances. 2. [Photographs / medical records / correspondence — delete/add as applicable.] I formally request that: 1. My complaint is recorded and investigated in accordance with the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020. 2. I am kept informed of the progress of the investigation. 3. I am notified of the outcome and any action taken. I also request, by way of a separate data subject access request under UK GDPR, a copy of any body worn camera footage, police logs, or records relating to this incident. Yours faithfully, [YOUR FULL NAME]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.