Police officers should treat you fairly and with respect. If you are unhappy about how you were treated during your 'stop and search', you have a number of options for making a complaint.

Causes for a complaint:

Some examples would be if you:

• Feel that the police who searched you were rude, or used excessive force.
• Believe you were unfairly targeted to be searched
• Witness somebody else being mistreated by the police
• Have a friend or a relative who was mistreated

File your complaint with the Police

You can ask for your complaint to be recorded at any police station. You do not need to go to the station where the officer that stopped you works.

At the time you were searched you should have been given a form. Bring the form with you as it will act as proof that the search took place.

You can also complain by phone, email or letter.

You can also write to the Chief Constable or Commissioner of the police force concerned.

You must complain within 12 months of the stop or stop and search.

Other ways of complaining

If you do not want to complain to the police directly there are independent organisations which will assist you.

For assistance in making a complaint, contact:

• The Association of Police Authorities website
• The Independent Police Complaints Commission website
• Your local Citizens Advice Bureau website
• The Commission for Racial Equality website
• Your Youth Offending Team
• Your Probation Service

What to include in a complaint

• Your name
• Address
• Contact details
• What happened
• The date and time of the search
• Your details and those of the officer involved
• Information on any witnesses who might be able to support your case
• Details of any damage or injuries that occurred

What happens after the complaint is filed?

Once you have reported the incident, an investigator will contact you, usually within 10 days. They will ask you a few questions about what happened.

Each case is unique and the investigator will inform you of what to expect, and how the investigation will proceed.

Do you feel your search was racially motivated?

You should never be discriminated against because of your race or nationality. If you feel that you were stopped and searched unfairly because of your ethnic background, you can file a complaint under the Race Relations Act 1976.

For information and assistance, contact the Commission for Racial Equality.