Humberside Police - protecting communities, targeting criminals

Making a Complaint

You can make a complaint directly to the Humberside Police or through the IPCC or another advice organisation. Whatever the route, all complaints, by law, must be recorded by the police force itself.

Raising concerns about the actions of police officers

Police officers must act within the law and a strict code of conduct. Should you believe a police officer has acted improperly you may make a formal complaint against him or her. The formal complaints procedure is dictated by statute and overseen by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) who have taken over from the Police Complaints Authority with effect from 1 April 2004.

Who can make a complaint?

You can make a complaint if you are a member of the public who:

  • Has been the victim of the misconduct by a person serving with the police. Misconduct could include a police officer or member of police staff being rude to you or using excessive force. It could also include unlawful arrest or an abuse of your rights.
  • Was present when the alleged misconduct took place, or close enough to see or hear the misconduct, and as a result suffered loss, damage, distress or inconvenience, or was put in danger or at risk.
  • Is a friend or relative of the victim of the alleged misconduct, distressed by the effects of the incident on the victim.
  • Has witnessed the alleged misconduct.
  • Is acting on behalf of any of the above. Please note that if you would like someone to make a complaint on your behalf, you must give them your consent in writing unless they are from a body such as a Citizens Advice Bureau.

How do I make a complaint?

You can make a complaint directly to the Humberside Police or through the IPCC or another advice organisation. Whatever the route, all complaints, by law, must be recorded by the police force itself.

If you want to make a complaint you can:

  • Go into any police station and ask for your complaint to be recorded.
  • Contact any police force via phone, email our Professional Standards Branch or post.
  • Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau, Racial Equality Council, Neighbourhood Warden, Youth Offending Team or Probation Service, all of whom can provide information.
  • Contact a solicitor or your MP and ask them to make a complaint for you.
  • Nominate a person to act on your behalf (they must have your written consent).
  • Write to the Chief Constable or Commissioner of the police service concerned, or to the police authority.
  • Contact the Independent Police Complaints Commission at:
    90 High Holborn
    London, WC1V 6BH
    Tel: 08453 002 002 (local rate)
    Email: enquiries@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk

What should my complaint say?

As well as your name, address and contact details, the main things that your complaint should cover are: 

  • What happened.
  • When it happened.
  • Who was involved.
  • What was said or done.
  • Whether there were any witnesses other than yourself and the person serving with the police.
  • Where the witnesses can be contacted, if known.
  • Details of any damage or injury which took place.

Please also include your consent for us to pass the details of your complaint to the police force concerned.

For more information can be obtained by selecting one of the links below.

How to Make a Complaint leaflet

There area number of leaflets available which are designed to inform you about the work of the IPCC and support you through the complaints process.

As well as downloading the leaflets from these pages, you can also ask for a leaflet at any police station or contact the IPCC and ask for one to be sent to you one in the post.

To order printed copies or copies in Braille or audio formats, please contact the IPCC communications department by phoning 08453 002 002.