Independent Office for Police Conduct

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) oversees the police complaints system in England and Wales and sets the standards by which the police should handle complaints.

It is independent, making its decisions entirely independently of the police and government. It is not part of the police.

Can I complain directly to the IOPC?

Complaints about the conduct of people serving with the police can be sent to the IOPC, but the IOPC does not have the power to record complaints.

If you complain to the IOPC, it must, by law, forward the complaint back to the force involved for consideration.

What is the role of the IOPC?

The IOPC investigates the most serious complaints and allegations of misconduct against the police in England and Wales. These complaints are referred to the IOPC by police forces.

The IOPC may decide to investigate an incident using its own investigators (referred to as an independent investigation), or it can manage or supervise a police investigation.

The IOPC will only conduct independent investigations into incidents that cause the greatest level of public concern – for example, deaths in or following police custody.