Complaints about officers or staff (below Chief Constable rank) are normally made to the force’s Professional Standards Department (PSD).
Police & Crime Commissioner – Complaints process & reviews (including how to request an independent review of a PSD outcome, and how to complain about the Chief Constable)
The Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service (run by the independent charity Crimestoppers) lets members of the public report concerns about a police officer, member of police staff or volunteer who they believe is taking advantage of their role or abusing their position of power. This includes financial or sexual motivation, or conduct motivated by hatred or prejudice.
Freephone: 0800 085 0000 (24/7)
Online form: Report online (secure, anonymous)
You can remain 100% anonymous, or choose to leave contact details so investigators can ask follow-up questions anonymously if needed. Information is passed to the relevant force’s specialist unit for assessment.
Examples of what can be reported:
This service is for allegations of corruption or serious abuse. For ordinary complaints about service, use the formal channels above. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
More information: Crimestoppers – Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service
Iain Gould – Actions Against the Police Specialist Solicitor
Iain specialises in civil claims against the police (wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, excessive force, malicious prosecution, abuse of position, etc.). He also publishes regular free blogs explaining the process and real case outcomes.
Public Services Ombudsman for Wales – limited role regarding how Police & Crime Commissioners and Police & Crime Panels handle complaints (not operational policing matters). ombudsman.wales · 0300 790 0203
Dyfed-Powys Police & Crime Panel – handles complaints about the Police & Crime Commissioner. dppoliceandcrimepanel.wales