Advice on Making a Complaint
If you think that an employee of Durham Constabulary has behaved incorrectly or unfairly, then you have the right to make a complaint.
First, decide what you think the employee(s) did wrong (for example, were they rude to you? Were you unlawfully arrested? Were your rights abused?). In these or other circumstances you are entitled to complain.
N.b. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, you should make your complaint within 12 months of the alleged incident.
How do I make a complaint?
- Go into any police station where you will be seen by the senior officer on duty, probably an Inspector or Sergeant; or
- Visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau who can advise whether you have grounds for your complaint; or
- Get someone else to put forward your complaint e.g. Citizens Advice Bureau, Law Centre, friend or neighbour, as long as they have a letter from you authorising them to do so; or
- Write a full account to the Chief Constable of the Force concerned or, in London, to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service; or
- Write directly to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6BH, who will forward your complaint to the correct police force; or
- E-mail your concerns to either of the addresses shown below (Independent Police Complaints Commission or Department).
- Visit one of our "True Vision" centres throughout Durham and Darlington (council offices, surgeries, etc.) who will take forward your concerns.
What should my complaint say?
- When it happened
- What happened
- What was done
- What was said
- Whether there were any witnesses, other than yourself and the officers
- Where can the witnesses be contacted
- What proof exists of any damage or injury
- Remember if you are using the e-mail system, please include your name, address and telephone number, so that we can contact you to address the issues you raise.
