After you complain about the police, there may be several ways of responding. Each case is considered individually, applying the relevant complaints legislation and procedures.
Professional Standards will assess the nature and seriousness of your concerns. Where an explanation resolves the issue and an investigation is unnecessary, a handler may be able to reply promptly.
Investigations
If your complaint needs further enquiries, you will be told what will happen next, how the issues will be examined and how a decision will be reached.
A complaint handler will seek missing details, consider relevant evidence and answer questions about the process. The complaint record should set out the allegations, enquiries, evidence and decisions.
We will ask how you would like to be contacted and keep you updated as required by the applicable complaints procedure.
Complaints referred by an oversight body
Where an independent body refers a complaint to HIOWC, the receiving team will determine the correct handling route and inform you of the next steps.
Outcomes
At the end of the process, you will receive an outcome explaining the decision and any available review route.
Read about what to do if you're unhappy with the outcome of your complaint.
Serious complaints
Particularly serious misconduct allegations may require referral to an independent authority. Such cases include allegations involving:
- conduct contributing to death or serious injury
- serious assault or serious sexual misconduct
- serious corruption or abuse of police authority
The competent authority determines whether an independent investigation is required.
Why your complaint might not be dealt with
Some concerns fall outside the formal procedure or have already been considered. If the complaint cannot be progressed, the decision should explain the reasons and any other available route.
Next: What to do if you're unhappy with the outcome of your complaint