IOPC Review Request Letter
A letter requesting a review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) of a police complaint outcome with which you are dissatisfied.
This template was not drafted by a solicitor.
It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.
When to use this template
Use this template if you have made a complaint to a police force about officer conduct and are dissatisfied with the outcome or the investigation. After the police force completes its local investigation, you have a right to request an IOPC review. The IOPC can direct the force to re-investigate, overturn findings, and in serious cases refer the matter for misconduct proceedings.
When NOT to use this template
Do not use this template as a first-stage complaint to the police โ you must first complain to the relevant police force directly. The IOPC review right arises only after the force has concluded its investigation and given you a final local outcome letter. Check your outcome letter for the specific right of review and deadline.
Legal Basis
Police Reform Act 2002 and the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020. Schedule 3, para 25 of the 2002 Act gives complainants the right to request an IOPC review of local investigation outcomes in certain cases. The IOPC replaced the IPCC in 2018.
Before you send
- Missing the 28-day deadline for requesting an IOPC review โ check your outcome letter carefully
- Not explaining clearly which specific aspect of the investigation outcome you are challenging
- Failing to attach the outcome letter and any supporting evidence to the review request
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- โMissing the 28-day deadline for requesting an IOPC review โ check your outcome letter carefully
- โNot explaining clearly which specific aspect of the investigation outcome you are challenging
- โFailing to attach the outcome letter and any supporting evidence to the review request
- โRequesting a review of a matter that was not part of your original complaint โ the IOPC can only review what was investigated
Build Your Letter
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Letter preview
[YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS] [YOUR EMAIL] [DATE OF LETTER] IOPC Review Request Team Independent Office for Police Conduct PO Box 473 Sale M33 0BW --- Dear Sir or Madam, **REQUEST FOR IOPC REVIEW OF POLICE COMPLAINT OUTCOME** I write to request a review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) of the outcome of my complaint against [POLICE FORCE NAME], pursuant to Schedule 3 of the Police Reform Act 2002. **My Details** Name: [YOUR FULL NAME] Address: [YOUR ADDRESS] Email: [YOUR EMAIL] Complaint Reference Number: [YOUR COMPLAINT REFERENCE NUMBER] **The Original Complaint** On [DATE ORIGINAL COMPLAINT WAS SUBMITTED], I submitted a complaint to [POLICE FORCE NAME] concerning: [SUMMARY OF THE ORIGINAL COMPLAINT] **The Outcome I Have Received** On [DATE OF OUTCOME LETTER], I received the force's local investigation outcome letter, a copy of which I enclose. The outcome was: [SUMMARY OF THE INVESTIGATION OUTCOME] **Why I Am Requesting a Review** I am dissatisfied with this outcome for the following reasons: [REASONS WHY YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH THE OUTCOME] In particular, I believe the investigation: [SPECIFIC FAILURES IN THE INVESTIGATION] **What I Am Seeking** I request that the IOPC: (a) Review the adequacy and impartiality of the investigation; (b) Consider whether the findings should be overturned or the matter re-investigated; (c) Consider whether the conduct of the officer(s) concerned should be referred for misconduct proceedings. I enclose the following documents in support of this request: - Outcome letter from [POLICE FORCE NAME] dated [DATE OF OUTCOME LETTER] - [ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED] Yours faithfully, [YOUR FULL NAME]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point โ adapt it to your specific circumstances.
Related Guides
Related Rights
Frequently asked questions
- When can I ask the IOPC to review my police complaint outcome?
- You can request an IOPC review if you have already complained to a police force about officer conduct and are dissatisfied with the outcome or investigation. This right arises only after the force has concluded its local investigation and provided you with a final local outcome letter. You cannot use this process as a first-stage complaint to the police.
- What powers does the IOPC have when reviewing a complaint?
- The IOPC can direct the police force to re-investigate the matter or overturn the findings. In serious cases, the IOPC can also refer the matter for misconduct proceedings. The review focuses on the adequacy and impartiality of the original investigation.
- How long do I have to request an IOPC review?
- You must check your outcome letter for the specific deadline, but note the 28-day deadline for requesting an IOPC review. Missing this deadline is a common error. It is crucial to review your letter carefully to ensure you submit your request within the required timeframe.
- What documents should I include with my review request?
- You must enclose the outcome letter from the police force and any supporting evidence. You should clearly explain which specific aspects of the investigation outcome you are challenging. The IOPC can only review matters that were part of your original complaint, so you cannot introduce new issues at this stage.
- Which laws govern the right to an IOPC review?
- The right to request an IOPC review is established under Schedule 3, paragraph 25 of the Police Reform Act 2002 and the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020. The IOPC replaced the IPCC in 2018 and handles these independent reviews of local investigation outcomes.