Who Deals With Complaints About the Police?

There are a number of organisations who deal with complaints against the police, depending on the nature of the complaint. The responsibilities of police authorities, Chief Police Officers, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) for complaints are set out in the Police Reform Act 2002.

What is the role of the Police Authority?

Our responsibilities include:

• Keeping informed about complaint and discipline matters within West Midlands Police
• Providing the IPCC with the information and documentation to carry out its functions (including inspection)
• Refering complaints or misconduct matters to the IPCC, where the Chief Police Officer has decided not to
• Acting as the 'appropriate authority' in the recording and investigation of complaints and conduct matters against senior officers (officers of ACPO rank).

What is NOT the role of the Police Authority?

• We do not investigate complaints concerning the conduct of non-senior officers. This is the responsibility of the Chief Constable
• Complaints about operational policing matters or decisions and general policing standards are known as 'Direction and Control' complaints. These are also the responsibility of the Chief Constable
• Police authorities do not involve themselves in the detail of individual cases

If you wish to make a complaint about West Midlands Police, you can do so in the following ways:

Go into any police station and ask to speak to the duty inspector.

Contact the Professional Standards Department on 0345 113 5000 or complete the online form at http://www.west-midlands.police.uk/about-us/contact/complaints.asp

Visit your local Citizens' Advice Bureau, which can advise you whether you have grounds for a complaint.

Contact a solicitor or Member of Parliament.

Nominate someone else to put forward your complaint (e.g., friend or neighbour, as long as they have a letter from you authorising them to do so)

Writing a letter detailing the full circumstances, to the Chief Constable, at the following address:

Police Headquarters
Lloyd House
Colmore Circus
Queensway
Birmingham
B4 6NQ

Alternatively, you can contact the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)

Independent Police Complaints Commission
Independent House
Whitwick Business Park
Stenson Road
Coalville
LE67 4JP

Customer Services: 08453 002 002 (press 1 at prompt -9.00am - 5.00pm)
Switchboard: 08453 002 002 (press 2 at prompt - 9.00am - 5.00pm)
Please note for our joint protection and training purposes calls may be recorded.
Mincom: 020 7404 0431, Fax: 01530 510 718
email: enquiries@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk